§ 12. Mrs. Faithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy regarding the recommendations of the report "Discipline or Disorder in Schools: a Disturbing Choice" by the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers.
§ Dr. BoysonThe pamphlet contains a number of useful comments and suggestions on matters which are primarily the responsibility of local education authorities and schools.
§ Mrs. FaithDoes my hon. Friend agree that the report shows that teachers are worried because some authorities are not taking action against parents when they aid and abet truancy and delinquency? Does he agree that more co-operation between parents, education authorities and teachers would help teachers when dealing with difficult and delinquent pupils?
§ Dr. BoysonI agree that the report shows that anxiety and the Government share it. The report also shows that many teachers, particularly the authors of the pamphlet, resent the fact that some local education authorities are stipulating whether corporal or other punishment can be used in schools. The report makes it clear that such a decision should be made in the schools by the profession, not by laymen outside.