§ I am writing on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education and Science to invite the views of your organisation on the use of corporal punishment in schools.
§ The Secretary of State is aware that this is a subject on which strong and frequently divergent views are held. With the concurrence of the Secretary of State for Wales, she is concerned to discover what common ground there may be between those of different views who may be disposed nevertheless to join in a considered approach to a problem which, for one reason or another, appears to have been more difficult to resolve in this country than in many others.
§ Some of the bodies on the attached list have expressed views officially in the past, and may wish to change, repeat or add to them. Others have not previously been approached by the Department. The Secretary of State would be glad to hear the views of all interested bodies on this topic and, in order to explore what common ground is possible (or not possible), would be grateful to know whether each organisation would be prepared to allow its views to be made known to the other bodies being consulted. It would be helpful to have your views by 15th July if possible. The fact that this consultation is taking place will be made publicly known, but evidence received will not be published.
§ Yours sincerely
§ P. S. Litton