asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the recent case in Stafford where 28 boys, all aged about 13 years, were flogged with a rope; that no action was taken against the master who administered this punishment and who was not even reprimanded; whether such punishment is in accordance with the regulations approved by him; or what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

I have received full reports of the special meetings of the Governors and of the Staffordshire local education authority which investigated this incident and I am satisfied that there are no grounds for my intervention.

Is it not a fact that one of these boys was struck four times and that no explanation was given? Is it not most undesirable that such mass punishments should take place?

Having read the evidence, I fail to connect it with the statement in regard to the individual being struck four times. I am convinced that the action taken by the education committee is sufficient.

Is not this much ado about nothing?