§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the numbers of deaf mutes in the United Kingdom at present supported by State or charitable funds; whether these numbers have been increasing; what percentage exhibit hereditary transmission of their defect; whether, in view of the frequent celebrations of the marriage of deaf mutes, he will cause these statistics to be sent to all authorities and guardians connected with deaf and dumb institutions?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)This matter is not one which comes within the ordinary jurisdiction of the Home Office; but I have ascertained that figures relating to deaf children of school age will be found in Part 1 of the volume of statistics of public education. I have no information as to the number supported from charitable funds. It should be borne in mind that, if there be any increase in the figures, it is likely to be due to greater care in dealing with all proper cases, and not necessarily to an increase in the number of deaf and dumb children. The Census returns from 1851 to 1901 show a continuous decrease in the number of deaf and dumb proportionate to the population; 571 and I think it would be well to wait for the new Census figures before considering whether any action is required.