§ 27. Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the total losses, due to damage and theft, respectively, caused by those who broke into schools in England and Wales during each of the past three years; and what recommendations he has made to local education authorities regarding preventive measures.
§ Miss BaconWe have made no such estimates and preventive measures are a matter for the local education authorities.
§ Mr. BrooksIs it not somewhat extraordinary that no attempt has been made to evaluate this serious problem at local 609 level? As an interim measure, pending such an evaluation, would my right hon. Friend consider recommending local education authorities to at least install burglar alarms in headmasters' studies?
§ Miss BaconIt is up to local education authorities to take decisions of this sort. They know their areas and are able to authorise installations of this type. If a local authority wished to incorporate such a burglar alarm system in a school—provided that the cost of the building was not exceeded—we would agree. This is a matter which must be left to local authorities.