HC Deb 22 May 1979 vol 967 c74W
37. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he will now put forward to reduce the incidence of truancy.

Dr. Boyson

It is the statutory duty of parents to see that their children receive full-time education and local education authorities have powers to deal with cases of default. Earlier this year, my Department published a booklet on truancy and behaviour problems based on a survey carried out by Her Majesty's inspectors. The pamphlet drew attention to a number of aspects of good practice for consideration by LEAs and schools. It is too early to judge the response to this publication.