asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farmers in each of the past three years have been prosecuted for maltreating schoolchildren engaged on potato lifting; and whether he will debar all such farmers from again having the use of schoolchildren.

This information is not available. Education authorities have power to debar an individual farmer from employing children who have been granted exemption from school at the request of their parents for potato lifting.

Is the Minister aware that one particular farmer, a Mr. Moncrieff, of Stratton Farm, Newport, Fife, was brought to court for, in the first place, slapping a boy's face and then, when he fell to the ground, kicking his body, for which he was fined 10s.? Will the Minister give a specific assurance that under no circumstances will this farmer ever again be allowed to employ schoolchildren for potato lifting?

We all regret that case, but I think the hon. Member knows that the Fife County Council, like other education authorities, has power to say that a man will not be allowed to have this assistance on any other occasion. I have no doubt that the Fife County Council, being a progressive body, will take the proper steps.

But will the Minister give a specific assurance that the Department will see to it that this farmer is not allowed to employ any more schoolchildren on this kind of work?

It is difficult for me to give that assurance, but I can tell the hon. Member that Regulation 2 (3) of the Exemptions (Potato Lifting) (Scotland) Regulations, 1952, requires employers to be approved by the education authority for the employment of children. I do not think we have any power to go further than that.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.