§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to local education authorities 322W regarding the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on corporal punishment in schools; and which authorities have complied with this advice.
§ Mr. George YoungerI have made known to education authorities my view that the way is open to complete the process towards the long-standing aim of abolition of corporal punishment in their schools. All authorities except Grampian, Tayside and Borders regional councils have taken steps to this end and I hope that these authorities will take similar measures.
Authorities have also been advised that, in the interim, it will be necessary, to comply with the 1982 ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, to ensure respect for the known philosophical convictions of parents against the use of corporal punishment. All authorities have taken steps to do so.