Written question asked by Lord Myners (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 January 2012.

Schools: King James Bible

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether copies of the King James Bible have been printed in connection with the Secretary of State for Education’s intention to circulate a copy to every state school in England; and whether they will reproduce the text of the foreword to the Bible written by the Secretary of State.

Answer: To mark the 400th anniversary year of the publication of the King James Bible, the Department for Education is sending a facsimile copy to all primary and secondary schools in England, to enable all pupils to understand its place in our nation’s identity and history. 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. Printing will take place in the next few months. There will be no foreword from the Secretary of State.

Secondary information