HC Deb 08 May 1990 vol 172 cc80-1W
Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the provision of sex education.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Subject to the requirements of the National Curriculum, governing bodies are responsible for determining their school's policy on the content and organisation of sex education.

In the wider sphere, the Health Education Authority's strategic plan 1990–95, published last November, announced the extension of the authority's work on AIDS public health education to include the maintenance of good sexual health, with the aims of educating the public and promoting a supportive climate of social opinion, and to support workers and agencies concerned with sexual health. The authority's family and child health programme will continue to provide information on pregnancy, parenting and the care of young children generally. Education for schools on family life and personal responsibility is also promoted through the authority's extensive programme for young people.

Sex education is also a central part of the work of the Family Planning Association and Brook advisory centres.