§ 9. Mr. Jeffrey Archerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will establish an inquiry into the problem of violence in schools.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI share my hon. Friend's concern, but I am not sure that a centralised inquiry would make the best contribution towards solving this problem.
§ Mr. ArcherDoes my right hon. Friend realise that that is not a satisfactory reply? Is she aware that many teachers and parents are genuinely worried, not just for now but about what is likely to happen in the future, as a result of the present trend? Cannot something more positive be done rather than simply expressing hope for the future?
§ Mrs. ThatcherWe are all genuinely worried about violence in schools. It is probably true that the situation in schools to some extent reflects the situation in society. I would not like to dash into an inquiry until I am certain that that would make a positive contribution towards the subject.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesIs there, in fact, very much violence in schools?
§ Mrs. ThatcherThere is some violence in schools. So long as there is, we will be concerned. It is difficult to strike the right balance. One is very concerned about any violence that exists but one must not over-emphasise it.