§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what representations he has received about provision for Christian conscience relating to the elements of the national curriculum in respect of(a) the teaching of evolution, (b the teaching of sex and social education and (c) the use of computers;
(2) what are the implications of the statement in article 2 of the first protocol to the European convention on human rights that the state shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education or teaching in conformity with their own religious convictions for the requirements of the national curriculum relating to (a) the teaching of evolution, (b) the teaching of sex and social education and (c) the use of computers where parents of some children object to such teaching or use as a matter of deeply held religious conviction.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has received some 600 letters from members of the Exclusive or Plymouth Brethren and other Christian sects seeking withdrawal of their children from such elements within the national curriculum. There is no right of withdrawal from the national curriculum in maintained schools. But parents remain free to educate their children outside the maintained sector, where the national curriculum is not a legal requirement.