§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received (a) in favour and (b) against parents being given the right to opt their children out of any sex education to which they object; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has received some 350 representations in support of enabling parents to withdraw their children from sex education lessons to which they object, and six letters opposing this. In response to this concern, the Government have tabled amendments to the Education Bill which would give control over the content and organisation of sex education to the new-style governing bodies provided for under the Bill, which would have the discretion to permit the withdrawal of pupils from sex education lessons at parental request.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received concerning the provision of sex education in school under clause 26 of the Education Bill; if he will break them down into those for and those against; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has received about 100 representations expressing support for clause 26 of the Education Bill and for the Government's commitment to appropriate responsible sex education, set within a sound moral context and supportive of family life. Only five letters have been received specifically opposing clause 26.