Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Monday, 23 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 January 2012. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Bible

Question: (3) if he will publish a list of all paper and electronic correspondence between (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in his Department and (i) the Cabinet Office and (ii) 10 Downing Street in which the King James Bible project was discussed in the last 12 months;

Answer: The story of the King James Bible, and its impact on the English speaking world, can help pupils—of all faiths and none—better appreciate our language and literature, democracy and culture.To mark the 400th anniversary year of the publication of the King James Bible, the Department for Education is sending a facsimile copy to each state primary and secondary school in England. This will enable all pupils to understand its place in our nation's identity and history.We are working to achieve the best possible value for money and will be fully transparent about the costs when they are finalised.We hope this exercise will inspire teachers to teach about the impact of the King James Bible, although there is no requirement on them to do so. We are not prescribing that every child must read the King James Bible, nor are we prescribing its role in the curriculum.Printing will commence in the next few months. There will be no foreword from the Secretary of State for Education. We will place a copy of this edition in the library when it is ready for distribution to schools. Information relating to internal discussion and advice is not normally disclosed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91971; 540 c436-7W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2012-0963
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Schools Bible
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk