asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to hear the results of the inquiry by the World Council of Churches into the possibility of a fixed Easter; and if he will make a statement.

I cannot yet give a date. The inquiry being conducted by the World Council of Churches is far reaching and will take some considerable time to complete.

Could not the Government give an elbow a bit of a nudge in order to get this matter settled once arid for all?

Yes, we will do what we can because, of course, we recognise the advantages of a fixed Easter, but I am sure that the hon. Member will appreciate that account has to be taken of various religious views.