§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will collect figures for school absences by each education authority; and if he will make a statement on the continuing problems of truancy.
§ Miss Joan LestorAs I stated on 31st October in reply to the hon. Member, and yesterday in reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner), we are consulting the local authority and teacher associations on the problems of truancy and indiscipline in schools, and have specifically sought their views as to whether regular national absence returns should be collected. There is nothing I can usefully add at the moment.