§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a general directive to local authorities on the wearing of school uniforms; and if he will make a statement about the use of school uniforms in both primary and secondary schools.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend does not intend to issue any general directive on the subject of school uniforms, which are a matter for local decision; he recognises that there are widely divergent views about school uniform requirements and he would expect a reasonable and flexible approach to be adopted by local education authorities and schools in the light of local circumstances and views, and having regard to the need not to make excessive demands on parents.