asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that six boys were caned by Mr. W. P. Little at the Chamberlayne Road School in July for kissing girls; whether this punishment was in accordance with his regulations; whether the parents were consulted; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I am aware of this incident. The infliction of corporal punishment is not governed by regulations made by me. It is left to local education authorities, who have their own regulations, and to heads of schools. I know of no reason for my intervening in this case.

Did not this incident occur after school hours and outside the school premises on the day before the children were to go for their summer holiday, and does not my right hon. Friend think that the action taken by this master is likely to lead the children to do secretly what they now do naturally and openly and that, in such circumstances, the parents have the right to be consulted in the matter?

I think that every statement of my hon. Friend with regard to what happened makes it quite clear that it is no part of my business to intervene. With regard to an expression of opinion relating to the incident, all I would say is that, in my judgment, I should imagine that the youngsters thought it was worth it.

Surely the real issue is: Was the kissing worth the caning? If we assume that the emotional as to the physical is two to one, then, as the Minister says, the boys have had the best of it. So what is all the fuss about?

Is there not a danger of this deplorable practice leading to oral sepsis?

I do not think so.