§ 9. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Education whether she will abolish all forms of corporal punishment in all schools under her jurisdiction for both boys and girls.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe question of corporal punishment is generally left to the discretion of school authorities. I believe this discretion to be wisely exercised and, apart from what is said in the "Handbook of Suggestions for Teachers," I see no cause for general directions on the point. There has been a welcome decrease in the infliction of corporal punishment as a means of maintaining discipline in schools, and I am confident that this will continue.
§ Mr. FreemanDoes not my right hon. Friend consider it is an anachronism that children are kept disciplined as a result of force and fear, and does she not consider it should be abolished?
§ Miss WilkinsonI think my hon. Friend has not kept in touch with the conditions of discipline, and of the changed conception of discipline which has taken place.