§ Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects the National Curriculum Council to publish guidelines for the teaching of religious education in schools.
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§ Mr. EggarThere are no plans to issue guidance as to the content of individual agreed syllabuses for religious education. This is a matter for each local education authority to determine in the light of the statutory requirements. The National Curriculum Council has, however, a remit to advise at local request on the mechanics of constructing a syllabus taking account of the national curriculum approach of setting clear learning objectives through attainment targets and programmes of study. I understand that the National Curriculum Council is considering the issue of some collated advice of this nature for local education authorities. The timing would be a matter for the National Curriculum Council.