§ 18. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the recommendations of the recent Conference of Headmasters, he will re-introduce corporal punishment as a deterrent to insubordination and juvenile crime.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have seen reports of the conference referred to by the hon. Member. But they call for no action on my part since I have already made my views clear. I believe that the decision whether or not to administer corporal punishment is one which must be left to the professional judgment of the teacher.
§ Sir C. OsborneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that most parents will be grateful to him for reversing the policy of his predecessor? Since 400 headmasters at the Plymouth conference unanimously agreed with him, will he not let his permanent officials deviate from this sensible course?
§ Mr. ShortI have not reversed anything. Having answered the Question as I have, I must point out that I do not accept the premise that corporal punishment is a deterrent to insubordination and juvenile delinquency. Violence in any form, whether legalised or not, is a cause of delinquency and not a deterrent. However, I think that the decision on this matter is one for the individual teacher.
§ Mr. WhitakerWhat new scientific evidence has come to light to reverse the Department's policy regarding schools for the handicapped? Will my right hon. Friend send to participants in the Conference, to headmasters of schools for the handicapped and to the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne), copies of the Home Office Committee's report on corporal punishment which concluded that it is not a deterrent but, on the contrary, escalates the tradition of violence?
§ Mr. ShortThere is no new scientific evidence but a new Minister who does not think that it is a good thing to try and tell other people how to do their jobs.