Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2009.

Schools: Evolution

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider new measures to ensure that evolution is properly and thoroughly taught in schools.

Answer: The science programme of study already sets out the legal requirements of the National Curriculum. It clearly states that pupils should be taught: how uncertainties in scientific knowledge and scientific ideas change over time; the role of the scientific community in validating these changes; that variation within species can lead to evolutionary changes; and, similarities and differences between species can be measured and classified.

Secondary information