§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to his Written Answer to the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire, Official Report, 25th January, c. 556, when he expects to reply to the request from the European Commission for Human Rights relating to the complaint about the use of corporal punishment in schools; and if he will publish the response.
§ Mr. McElhoneHer Majesty's Government will be responding very soon to the Commission's request. Article 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights*** 293W requires that the Commission shall meet in camera. Accordingly the Commission requires that no publicity should be given to the Government's response at this stage.