There was surpise when Prof Dawkins acknowledged that he was less than 100 per cent sure that there is no creator.

The philospher Sir Anthony Kenny, who chaired the discussion, interjected: "Why don't you call yourself an agnostic?"  Prof  Dawkins answered that he did.

An incredulous Prof Kenny replied, "You are described as the world's most famous atheist."

Prof Dawkins said that he was "6.9 out of seven" sure of his beliefs.