§ Lord Rippon of Hexhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many representations they have received from head teachers or local authority officials concerning the rights of parents who are members of the Plymouth Brethren and who are concerned on grounds of conscience about the full implementation of the National Curriculum upon their children; and what has been their response.
§ Viscount DavidsonWe have received some 15 letters from head teachers and local authority officials seeking advice on the rights of parents such as the Brethren to withdraw their children from aspects of the National Curriculum to which they have religious objections. Replies have explained that parents do not have the right to withdraw their children from the secular curriculum in maintained schools on grounds of religion or conscience; but that they remain free to make alternative educational arrangements.