§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how he intends to respond to the recommendations concerning collective worship in schools in the report of the Education, Science and Arts Committee on achievement in primary schools, SIC 401, Session 1985–86.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerLetters are being sent today from my Department to a range of interested bodies asking for their views on the recommendations on collective worship put forward by the Education, Science and Arts Committee. These recommendations suggested that as the law is being widely and variously interpreted, it should be amended to allow schools greater flexibility in when daily collective worship takes place and how it should be organised. The Government are firmly committed to ensuring that collective worship continues. Comments have been requested by 11 September. If there is general agreement that the law should be amended, I shall include the necessary provisions in the Education Bill which will be introduced this autumn.