HC Deb 30 January 1974 vol 868 cc115-6W
Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a state ment about indiscipline and truancy in schools.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct an investigation into the problems caused by unruly pupils in schools.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

While I have no reason to believe that there is a danger of a serious breakdown in discipline in schools, it is clear that indiscipline is a cause of real and continuing concern to teachers and parents alike. I am also aware of the general concern about truancy which, in some of its forms, is another manifestation of indiscipline, and the Scottish Crime Council has drawn my attention to the link between truancy and juvenile delinquency.

I have carefully considered how I can best assist education authorities to deal with these problems and I have decided to appoint a committee of inquiry with the following terms of reference: To inquire into truancy and indiscipline among primary and secondary school pupils in Scotland; to consider what measures can be taken by the school, and by the school with the help of outside agencies, to reduce these problems; to consider the circumstances in which suspension or exclusion of pupils from school may be justified, and what provision should be made for such pupils; and to make recommendations, having regard to the most effective use of available resources.