HC Deb 26 February 2003 vol 400 cc578-9W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on the establishment of new faith schools; and how many new faith schools within the maintained sector are proposed. [88892]

Mr. Miliband

The Government believes parents should have a range of schools to choose from, including faith schools.

Decisions about opening new schools, including faith schools, are made locally by the School Organisation Committee for the LEA area, or by an independent Schools Adjudicator if the Committee cannot agree. We have been informed of proposals for 12 new faith schools that have been published since September 2001 and approved by School Organisation Committees.