§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children are already receiving religious education; how these figures compare with each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldI regret that the information requested is not available. My right hon. Friend looks to all county and voluntary schools, and the local education authorities by which they are maintained, to meet the requirements of the 1944 Act. When he receives complaints that the statutory requirement to give religious instruction is not being met in a particular school, he undertakes a full and careful investigation; but very few such complaints are received each year.