---

Education and Inspections Bill

My hon. Friend has great knowledge of educational affairs, on which he always speaks with great authority, and he is an immense champion of the interests of the people of the Isle of Wight. He is right to point out that offences such as he describes can not only disrupt the life of a school but ruin individual lives—they can be committed pupil against pupil as well as teacher against pupil. The new clause and this group of amendments do not deal with those specifics, and if I were to stray into them I have no doubt that you would call me to order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. However, my hon. Friend is right to suggest that when creating a disciplined environment in schools and setting out pupils’ responsibilities and expectations such issues should be addressed. I have no doubt that in the Minister’s expansive response to this short debate he will want to comment on that matter and to refer to some of the detailed measures that the Government propose for guidance in addressing it. Throughout our consideration of the Bill, the Opposition have done the right thing, because we believe that for the most part the Government have done the right thing. That is good, responsible opposition—but it is also responsible opposition to challenge the Government and to try to improve legislation when it comes before the House. In my judgment, and in the judgment of teachers, learners, parents and families throughout the country, the amendments would improve the Bill still further, and in that spirit I commend them to the House.