asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to local authorities to combat vandalism in Scottish schools.

Security measures against break-ins at schools have formed part of the guidance on vandalism and other forms of delinquency given to chief constables, and their advice is available to education authorities. A working party of the Home Office Standing Committee on Crime Prevention, which includes a police representative from Scotland, has recently been reviewing practical measures to combat vandalism generally, and its report, expected later this year, will be sent to chief constables.