asked the Minister of Education whether he has considered a number of complaints regarding the action of the City of Oxford Education Authority in providing facilities for denominational education in the High School; whether he is aware that there is a church hall next door to the school where such teaching could be given; and whether he is satisfied that this case should be dealt with under the proviso to Section 26 of the Education Act, 1944.

I am aware of these complaints, which are being investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this action will be taken as a precedent by the whole country and does he accept the interpretation of the proviso given clearly in the White Paper 6492?

That is the reason for the investigation.