Nursery World - All-party vote on smacking sought

A Conservative MP has called for an open debate and free vote in the House of Commons on whether childminders should be allowed to smack the children in their care and to smoke in their presence. Nick St Aubyn, MP for Guildford and a member of the all-party Select Committee on Education and Employment, said at the launch of the committee's report on Early Years, 'The recommendations come with cross-party support. I am calling for a free debate in the House of Commons and a free vote, because this is an issue of general concern and not a party-political one.

Nick St Aubyn, MP for Guildford and a member of the all-party Select Committee on Education and Employment, said at the launch of the committee's report on Early Years, 'The recommendations come with cross-party support. I am calling for a free debate in the House of Commons and a free vote, because this is an issue of general concern and not a party-political one.

'It is contradictory for the Government to stop smacking in schools, yet let untrained childminders smack. If the Government can't show leadership in this matter, then put it to debate in the House of Commons.' The committee roundly condemned the idea of childminders smacking and smoking. Chairman Barry Sheerman said he disagreed with the Government over the issue and would tell employment minister Margaret Hodge and education secretary David Blunkett to drop the policy.

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