Designed for six to 12-year-olds,

The children would hold two electrodes while answering questions. The meter detects small amounts of electronic resistance and an unbalanced needle would indicate the children did not understand something.

Other tests undertaken in 'ethics' sessions include a bizarre questionnaire which the Daily Mail has obtained.

Designed for six to 12-year-olds, the questions include: 'Have you ever decided that you did not like a member of your family?' 'Have you ever refused to obey an order from someone you should obey?' and 'Have you ever broken something belonging to someone else?' Such questions could disturb impressionable minds.

Astra Woodcraft has her own extraordinary memories of growing up as a Scientologist.

Astra's architect father, Lawrence, and mother, Lesley, were Scientologists. Her grandparents were members of the church's UK HQ in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Lawrence joined as an idealistic 24-year-old, fresh out of college.

'I was approached by someone on the street in San Francisco, where I was on holiday, and became interested in the promises they made,' he says.