§ 28. Mr. Ian Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of secondary pupils who have been debarred from their schools for misbehaviour in 1971–72.
§ Mr. CampbellI cannot thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he agree that this is a growing problem which will possibly worsen with the raising of the school leaving age? Will he keep an open mind on the possibility of creating more regional centres to try to solve this problem, which can only cause great upset among such problem children in their present schools?
§ Mr. MonroI note what the hon. Gentleman says but I do not think we should exaggerate the situation. It is, of course, basically a matter for the education authorities and the head teachers. But we hope to double the number of places at the day centres fairly shortly.
§ Mr. BrewisWill my hon. Friend keep an open mind on the question of allowing pupils to leave school after they have reached their sixteenth birthday?
§ Mr. MonroMy hon. Friend knows the present provisions in relation to the leaving dates after the sixteenth birthday, and we have no proposals to change them at the moment.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe hon. Gentleman sounds extraordinarily complacent on this subject. Is he aware that there are genuine problems in big comprehensive schools that require attention? While not necessarily agreeing that some kind of regional centres are necessary, may I ask whether he will not at least agree to consult teaching organisations and the local authorities to find out the extent of the problem?
§ Mr. MonroThere is no complacency on the subject. I said that the situation should not be exaggerated. Of course, 468 through Her Majesty's inspectors, the Department is in constant touch with teachers and education authorities about this problem