HC Deb 22 February 1990 vol 167 c924W
Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information is held centrally relating to discrimination against lesbians and homosexual men; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I will write to the hon. Member.

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proposals he has to deal with discrimination against lesbians and homosexual men with regard to(a) the age of sexual consent, (b) the right to serve in the armed forces and (c) legal recognition of long-term homosexual partnerships;

(2) what proposals he has to improve the legal rights of lesbians and homosexual men; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what provision exists in the European social charter on the rights of homosexuals; whether he has any proposals for legislation arising from Britain's obligations under the charter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) on 1 February 1990 at columns304–06.