§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to instigate an investigation, similar to the Elton investigation in England and Wales, into discipline in Scottish schools.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNo. We commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education in October to carry out a major study aimed at identifying effective practical strategies for maintaining discipline in schools and classrooms. We do not consider that a further independent inquiry in Scotland at this time is warranted; but we shall study the Elton report, when it is received, for any implications it may have for Scotland.