asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps are being taken to reduce truancy; and how this problem is being monitored.

:Truancy is primarily a matter for individual local education authorities, and my Department does not monitor the incidence of absence from school nationally. It does, however, support research into truancy and related behaviour. Her Majesty's Inspectorate continues to bear these problems in mind in the course of its visits to schools and where appropriate will discuss measures to encourage fuller attendance.