The three-week, twice-yearly sweeps are run by local authorities, the police and educational welfare officers.
A Department for Education and Skills spokesperson said some London boroughs did not carry out the sweeps because of a lack of police presence caused by the increased security for the President's visit.
The antisocial behaviour bill will propose increased fines for parents if young people play truant, schools minister Ivan Lewis announced last week. Up to half the truants rounded up are found to be with their parents.
A spokesperson for Westminster Council, the borough that dealt with the anti-Bush protests, said: "Follow-ups, including contact with Connexions, are important in improving school attendance rates."
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