§ Mr. Butcherasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will examine the implications of the judgment of the honourable Sir Basil Neild in Blasdale v Coventry District Council as to its effect on ancillary staffing requirements in the classroom during a wet dinner break; and if he will give new guidance to local authorities in the light of this judgment.
§ Dr. BoysonIt is the responsibility of the local education authority, in conjunction with the head teacher, to ensure that adequate provision is made for the supervision of children while on the school premises, in particular, arrangements for pupils during the dinner break in wet weather.
Guidance on midday supervision is contained in circular 16/68. It will take some time to consider what implications, if any, flow from the Blasdale v. Coventry District Council judgment and I shall write to my hon. Friend in due course.