asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland have now banned corporal punishment in schools; what representations he has received about the consequences; and if he will make a statement.

Of the 12 education authorities in Scotland, six have completed the process of abolition and two others expect to do so by the end of this school session. Of the remainder, three authorities have abolished corporal punishment in all but secondary schools and only one authority has decided to retain corporal punishment in both the primary and secondary sector.Such representations as I have received in this matter relate mainly to the effectiveness of the alternative sanctions, particularly the time spent in their administration.