§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information is collected by his Department on the number of offenders found guilty of offences related to truancy under the Education Act 1944; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThe information referred to in the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 3 March—[Vol. 38, c. 1821—can be subdivided in various ways, including according to the area in which proceedings took place. It is considered that the majority of the findings of guilt under the Education Act 1944 were for offences related to truancy. The Department keeps in close touch with the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Social Security about problems associated with truancy.