§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will consider setting up a committee to examine the evidence of violence in schools, directed both at teachers and pupils, and to make recommendations as to what measures can be taken to prevent such violence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe evidence of visits by Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools suggests that most schools are well ordered and do not regard disruptive behaviour as a serious problem. Nevertheless any violent behaviour in schools is deplorable. It must be primarily a matter for individual schools to decide on the appropriate measures to prevent it in their own particular circumstances. I hope, however, that they will he assisted by the report of a survey of good practice as regards discipline and behaviour which is being prepared by Her Majesty's inspectorate and is to be published shortly.