§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is her policy for ensuring choice of primary schools on new housing estates when the authority's proposal is only for the building of a church school;
(2) in cases where there is no choice of primary schools on new housing estates, and the proposal is for the building of a church school which is to do double duty as a church with living quarters attached, what grant from her Department is paid for the school building as distinct from that part of it that is to serve as a church;
(3) whether she is satisfied with the use of public funds to subsidise a church which also serves as a school on new housing estates; and if she will make a statement;
(4) what provision she proposes to make on estates where the only primary school is a church school for those parents of other religions or of no religion who are forced to send their children there;
(5) if she will approach the Church Commissioners for a contribution to cover the cost of a church from the proceeds of the sale of redundant churches in cases where a primary school is to be built to serve as a church by the local education authority.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThese Questions raise a number of complex issues arising from a particular local situation. It is necessary first to establish the facts. I will write fully to the hon. Member as soon as possible.