To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Department’s policy is on the display of religious (a) artefacts, (b) symbols and (c) dress by its staff; how many staff have been subject to disciplinary proceedings regarding this policy in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (95645)

The Department’s commitment not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of religion or belief is set out clearly in its equal opportunities policy.

The Department does not have a formal policy on the display of religious artefacts, symbols and dress by its staff. There have not been any disciplinary proceedings in relation to religion.