§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much time he estimates should be spent under the national curriculum on the teaching of religious education; and what proportion of that should be spent on the study of the Christian faith.
§ Mr. EggarReligious education must be included alongside the national curriculum in the basic curriculum of all maintained schools. In county schools, the content of RE must be in accordance with a locally agreed syllabus drawn up by a conference convened by the local education authority. My right hon. and learned Friend has no power to prescribe how much time should be spent on individual subjects, but he has made clear his view that in drawing up an agreed syllabus the conference should assume that a reasonable time will be available for the study of RE.