HC Deb 06 March 1979 vol 963 cc603-4W
22. Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will issue regulations to ban the use of the cane in community homes.

Mr. Moyle

No. I have told local authorities that I regard the use of corporal punishment as undesirable and inconsistent with proper care. The Association of Directors of Social Services, the British Association of Social Workers and the residential care associations oppose its use in community homes and we think that the local authorities who permit it are now a minority. But I am reluctant to withdraw the discretion that local authorities have under the existing regulations at this stage.