§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many cases of assaults on teachers by pupils in (a) secondary and (b) primary schools have been recorded during each of the past 10 years for which figures are available; and how many of these resulted in legal action.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what recent representations he has received about the incidence of assaults on teachers by pupils; and what reply he has given;
(2) whether he plans any initiatives to reduce the incidence of assaults on teachers by pupils.
§ Mr. DunnWhile my right hon. Friend has received many recent representations about school discipline in general and corporal punishment in particular, very few have referred specifically to assaults on teachers. The Government deplore all physical attacks on teachers, but responsibility must be with local education authorities and schools which are in a position to take firm action swiftly.