HC Deb 22 January 1985 vol 71 c377W
20. Mr. James Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils were absent from school on other than legitimate ground on the last convenient date for which information was available in England and Wales.

Mr. Dunn

There has been no recent survey of truancy rates but research and local surveys suggest that on any school day between 2 and 4 per cent, of secondary pupils in England are likely to be absent from school without good reason. Information for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.