§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information his Department collects about the type of books and other written material used for the purposes of sex education in schools; what role is played by Her Majesty's inspector in relation to such matters; if any complaint has been received by his Department as to the suitability in this context for children aged 10 years and over of the booklet—"Growing-up—A Guide for Children and Parents", published by the Royal Society of Medicine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIndividual schools and local education authorities are responsible for ensuring that the teaching materials which they use are educationally sound. Neither this Department nor Her Majesty's inspectorate collect information about the sex education materials used by schools. My right hon. Friend has received one letter about the recently published book "Growing-up — A Guide for Children and Parents". In deciding whether they wish to make use of this or other books, I would expect teachers to bear in mind the need both for sex education to be offered in a manner which pays due regard to moral considerations and which is supportive of family life, and for any materials used to be responsible, sensitive and appropriate to the maturity of the pupils concerned. My right hon. Friend has already announced his intention shortly to publish a draft circular giving guidance on sex education at school.