HC Deb 29 June 1909 vol 7 cc226-7
Mr. CLYNES

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to recent cases of striking children on the head in schools, tried at Leeds County Court on 12th March last and at Ruthin Police Court on 3rd May; and whether, seeing that injury or death may be caused in this manner, particularly in unobserved cases of children suffering from acute meningitis, he will as soon as possible take such action as will put a stop to the practice of striking school children on the head?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. C. P. Trevelyan)

I have seen a report of the Leeds case, to which the hon. Member refers. Irregular punishments, such as striking children on the head, are strongly disapproved of by the Board, and are, I believe, prohibited by the regulations of most local education authorities. Such practices are of comparatively rare occurrence, and my right hon. Friend does not think any further action is required.

Mr. CLYNES

Did the Board express its disapproval with the local education authorities?

Mr. TREVELYAN

The attitude of the Board is perfectly well understood. I think the local education authorities can be trusted.