HC Deb 31 January 1989 vol 146 c168W
48. Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will hold a national inquiry into truancy among school children; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

My right hon. Friend does not intend to hold such an inquiry. Under the Education Acts, the responsibility for taking action on truancy rests with local education authorities. They should ensure that attendance levels in their schools are monitored and that action is taken to keep them under control.