HC Deb 08 February 1968 vol 758 cc624-5
4. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now state the result of his consultations with the associations representing the teachers and the local education authorities regarding corporal punishment for handicapped children.

Mr. Gordon Walker

I am still awaiting replies from most of the associations consulted.

Mr. Winnick

The House will be grateful to my right hon. Friend for his action. Is it not absolutely barbaric that a few local authorities, such as Liverpool, allow the cane for handicapped and maladjusted children? Surely this must be ended for ever. Will my right hon. Friend consider banning the cane in primary schools?

Mr. Walker

At the moment I am engaged in consulting local education authorities. I have made clear to these authorities what my own view is about the use of corporal punishment in special schools. The wider problem is rather more difficult, because one must carry teachers with one in anything of this kind.

Mr. Fortescue

Has the Secretary of State consulted the Liverpool local education authority in the course of his consultations?

Mr. Walker

I consulted the associations, which are responsible for consulting any of their constituents.