HC Deb 24 January 1983 vol 35 cc327-8W
Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to provide that parents have to opt on behalf of their children for sex education in schools.

Dr. Boyson

We have no plans to introduce legislation on this subject, but we have repeatedly made it clear that there should be the very closest possible consultation and co-operation between parents and schools about the way in which sex education is provided.

Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to bring the books on sex education recommended by the Health Education Council under his scrutiny before they are supplied to schools.

Dr. Boyson

As I said on 10 November 1982 in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Madel), the Health Education Council has agreed to review the purpose, balance and content of its booklist "Relationships and Sexuality".— [Vol. 32, c.155–56.]

Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about the books used in schools to teach sex education.

Dr. Boyson

In the past year we have received about 170 letters expressing concern about books which were or could be used in the teaching of sex education.