§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give guidance to local education authorities about the implications of the recent decision in the courts with respect to equal opportunities between male and female pupils.
§ Mr. DunnI assume the hon. Member is referring to the recent decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold the earlier High Court ruling that Birmingham city council was guilty of unlawful sex discrimination in providing fewer selective places for girls than for boys in the city's maintained grammar schools. I understand that the council now intends to appeal against the judgment to the House of Lords. My right hon. Friend wishes to await the outcome of that appeal before considering whet her it would be appropriate to offer any guidance to local education authorities.