§ 11. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the operation of regulations in Scottish local authority schools concerning the wearing of school uniform.
§ Mr. McElhoneThe making and operation of school rules are matters for schools and education authorities.
§ Mr. CanavanWill the Minister take action about children who are being deprived of education simply because they are not wearing the prescribed clothing? Will he bear in mind that it could cost a family with three children over £100 to equip them for school? Surely this is a matter better left to the good sense of parents than to the whims of individual headmasters, some of whom have an almost Fascist-type obsession about wearing uniforms.
§ Mr. McElhoneA headmaster should not set himself up as judge in every respect. There are no statutory provisions governing school dress. It is a question for local arrangement. I hope that the schools and local authorities will have regard to all the circumstances. It would not be proper for me to express a legal opinion about the wearing of school uniform, which is a matter for the good sense of local authorities.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorIs there any evidence that over the long term the wearing of clothes other than the basic school uniform turns out to be less expensive? The Minister should stand up for discipline and authority of headmasters instead of undermining their authority.
§ Mr. McElhoneI do not accept that. It is a matter for local authorities. They have the discretion and I hope that good sense will prevail.