§ 130. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Education whether she has seen the booklet, a copy of which has been sent to her, entitled "Punishment in Schools," issued recently by the London County Council, in which the total abolition of corporal punishment of children in schools is recommended; and whether she will issue a similar recommendation to all other schools in the country under her jurisdiction.
§ Mr. PickthornMy right hon. Friend has seen this booklet, but is not aware that its recommendation is as stated by the hon. Member. In any case the question of corporal punishment is within the94W discretion of local education and school authorities and she is not prepared to take the action suggested in the latter part of the Question.