§ 49. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the petition presented to her on Thursday, 6th May, by parents from the East End of London concerning the danger to schoolchildren from sex maniacs; what was the nature of this petition; what action she has taken or intends taking in connection with the same; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe petition presented to the Prime Minister was headed
this is a petition for security guards in all schools in London".The committee of a parents' action group also wrote to the Prime Minister about the need to provide such guards in order to prevent a repetition of the incident in March this year which has given rise to the understandable fears of parents. I was asked to deal with the petition and the letter and I have told the parents action group that I appreciate their concern but that the matter is one for the I.L.E.A. I am sure that the authority are fully aware of the strength of parental feeling and of the need for appropriate precautions.