Government backbencher Dale Butler has hit out at sceptics who think corporal punishment in schools should end.

Speaking at Hamilton Rotary yesterday, Mr. Butler said that when he took over as principal at St. George's Secondary School, discipline was needed: "Hence the cane was frequently used during those first six years."

He added: "And let me say to those sceptics who condemn corporal punishment, that it worked. It brought a sense of order and yes fear."

Mr. Butler said that he often sees many of his former "discipline problems" and they proudly tell him that that they knew exactly what he stood for and they appreciated that he gave them `'a wake-up call'' but always had kindness and love to show each student.

This according to Mr. Butler is the key to successful discipline - discipline carried out with love and understanding.

He also said that as more pride was developed in the learning institution, the cane was used less and less.

Mr. Butler spoke about his own two sons, 18 and 15 years old, and said he was often asked how he used physical discipline at home when his wife, Dr. June Hill, was the founder of the child abuse movement in Bermuda.

"It was simple," said Mr. Butler, "I spanked them before she got home. Did it work? You bet it did because it was a small part of the total package."

Mr. Butler said that he thought his wife knew that it would be cheaper and less time consuming to discipline their children while they were young because "professionals" with all the right words would cost a fortune.

Mr. Butler added: "My sons have not been spanked since they were five and there is no way I could spank a six-foot-two young man today." He said he had two simple formulas that he used to raise his children.

Firstly, he used the acronym "LICKS". This was to surround children with Love, take a big Interest, Care about your children, and be Kind to them.

He also used "TAPS". Children need Time, Attention, Parents and Prayers, and children need to Save, to learn the value of investments for the future.

Mr. Butler said: "You will notice that both words have to deal with discipline...If you use the formula, children will not need too much physical discipline. It is as simple as that." Mr. Butler said that Bermudians had much to be proud of including their democratic traditions and ethnic origins.

He said: "I do realise we have many challenges ahead of us, but a proud and determined group of people can resolve them.

"We should be proud of the discipline we were given because it has enabled us to accomplish a great deal and we should be proud of who we are as a people and all that we have been able to do for our institutions and for the development of our future." School principals were told by the Ministry of Education in May that as of September, they would no longer be allowed to suspend misbehaved pupils, but would instead have to provide alternative arrangements within the school grounds.

Corporal Punishment has not yet been outlawed in schools although there have been several opinions both for and against the practice.