§ Lord Ritchie of Dundeeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the result of the inquiries made by the Secretary of State for Education and Science in July 1986 into Haringey Borough Council's plans to promote "positive images" of homosexuality in the schools in the Borough.
§ Baroness HooperHaringey Local Education Authority's reply to the inquiries last year indicated that no decisions had then been taken on how its proposed policies on homosexuality might be implemented in relation to schools, pending further consideration by the authority. In the absence of a1334WA report by the authority on the outcome of this further consideration, and in the light of press accounts of the authority's intentions, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has instigated further inquiries. His officials wrote to the authority again last month reiterating concern about the authority's reported plans, seeking an urgent explanation of specified aspects of its policies and actions, and asking how these could be reconciled with its powers and duties under the Education Acts and with the law on homosexual activity. A reply is still awaited.