HC Deb 13 January 1992 vol 201 cc447-8W
Mr. Butcher

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church on the content and place in the curriculum for AIDS education.

Mr. Atkins

Since replying to my hon. Friend's earlier question about HIV/AIDS education—Official Report column 417—my right hon. and learned Friend has received one letter from a representative of the Church of England and, to date, none from the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Butcher

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will undertake a sample study of AIDS education in those Roman Catholic voluntary -aided secondary schools which implement AIDS education as part of the family life programme taught jointly between the religious education and science departments.

Mr. Atkins

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to undertake such a study. It is for individual schools to determine how education about HIV and AIDS should be provided, taking full account of the requirements of the national curriculum, local circumstances, the needs of pupils and the views of parents.