In an interview for BBC Radio Four's World at One, Mr Willetts said universities were "entitled to look behind" A level grades to decide who to admit.

BBC: UK Politics

Results could be made available to universities before they decide whom to admit.

ECONOMIST: Talent spotting

In May, the BSA's 1, 400-member National Council is expected to consider a proposal to ease the ban by allowing sponsors of local Scout units to decide for themselves whether to admit gays.

WSJ: Amid Boy Scout turmoil, other groups hope to grow

"I think that by proposing this sort of policy where local troops decide for themselves whether to admit gay scouts or not, they're not living up to their responsibility to accept everyone, " Lucien told the BBC.

BBC: Gay brothers call for end to Boy Scouts ban