§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps are being taken to reduce truancy; and how this problem is being monitored.
§ Miss Margaret Jackson:The responsibility for action to combat truancy rests with local education authorities. We intend shortly to issue a circular on the 180W education welfare service which has an important role in ensuring regular school attendance. Additionally, we plan to publish next month some information and advice for schools and local authorities based on two recent surveys by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of provision for disruptive pupils and persistent truants.