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Cathedrals

Volume 454: debated on Wednesday 13 December 2006

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Sir Stuart Bell), representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make representations to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to ensure that the history and heritage of England's cathedrals is taught in schools. (105530)

Contact between schools and English cathedrals is extensive. Each year, cathedrals host a large number of school visits, which support a wide range of curricular activities. Such visits usually combine a focus on the history of the cathedral and the region with the development of the children's awareness of the building's key purpose—Christian worship and the celebration of the Christian faith.

I am happy to remind the Secretary of State of this positive existing practice and to request his support in encouraging schools to take full advantage of the opportunities offered.