Well three points, just off the top of my head. I haven't campaigned for my beliefs on this issue or anything like that.

1) It was abused dreadfully by many members of the teaching profession - my cousin's treatment by some rotten little bastard in a dog collar, I've already talked about. it was an abuser's charter - used as a means of facilitating sexual abuse also. have you read roald dahl's Boy - I think that book somewhat understaed the case. I just know too many gentle decent people who were abused.

2) It was a bad example to kids - it said tothem - you can sort out your problems with violence. Not your turn yet - wait your turn and you'll be able to get away with this.

3) It stopped working. I started teaching in Brum in 1971. I was a lousy teacher - no real idea how to connect with the kids I was teaching in a tough boys sec mod. (Three of the old boys had actually been hanged) Anyway i got pressured into getting a slipper and using it, mainly to cover up my own inadequacy, looking back.

The kids were refusing to accept it. they knew their parents would back them to the hilt. Society had just moved on. And not before time.