§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
If they are considering the repeal of Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 to decriminalise homosexual acts in the Merchant Navy.
The Earl of CaithnessHaving consulted widely on this matter and considered all the factors involved we have decided that there is no continued justification for the retention of offences specific to the Merchant Navy. Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 will therefore be replaced when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.