§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the latest figures for truancy; and if he will make a statement on measures to reduce its incidence.
§ Mr. ForthTruancy data will be published in local school performance tables for the first time this autumn. We will then have a clearer understanding of the levels of truancy nationally. My right hon. Friend looks to schools to make maximising attendance one of their key tasks. Unauthorised absences should be pursued with vigour, bringing in LEA education welfare officers as appropriate. A major boost to the fight against truancy has been given by the Government's new reducing truancy initiative under the grants for education support and training scheme for 1993–94. Projects to a total value of some £9 million are being supported in over 70 LEAs.