HC Deb 14 February 1980 vol 978 cc766-7W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a directive to local education authorities to compile comprehensive statistics related to unauthorised absence or truancy.

Dr. Boyson

This would not be the appropriate way to proceed. Absence from school is obviously a matter of major concern, but the regular compilation of national statistics is not likely to be the best way of arriving at an understanding of the local factors involved.

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