§ Mr. Alisonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what powers he possesses to restrict or prohibit, by directive or by other means the showing of obscene films or other such obscene material to children in maintained schools as part of the curriculum; and what powers, if any, are available to local authorities in this field.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerMy right hon. Friend has a general power of intervention under Section 68 of the Education Act 1944, but no specific powers to restrict or prohibit the use of teaching materials in maintained schools. In primary schools such powers normally reside with the local education authority; and in secondary schools with the governors, subject to any overriding power of the local education authority. Material used in schools is subject to the general law concerning obscenity or indecency.