§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will invite local education authorities to extend sex education in schools.
§ Miss BaconThis subject is dealt with in the Department's Handbook of Health Education which was revised and re-issued last year. I would also refer the hon. Member to the reply on one aspect of it given on 6th February by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dame Joan Vickers). I do 113W not think further steps on my part are needed at present. The Department's medical officers and Her Majesty's Inspectors are available to advise local education authorities both in the planning of courses and in training of teachers to give instruction in sex education. I must make it clear, however, that my right hon. Friend has no authority to prescribe what is taught in schools.