HC Deb 27 June 1927 vol 208 cc36-8
60. Mr. HARRIS

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee appointed by the Board to consider matters relating to mentally defective children; has the Committee taken any evidence from witnesses; when is the Committee likely to make its Report; and, having regard to the fact that the development of schools for mentally defective children is being held up pending the findings of the Departmental Committee, have the Board any intention of asking for an interim Report?

Lord E. PERCY

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 24th March last to the hon. Member for West Newcastle (Mr. Palin), a copy of which I am sending him. I understand that the Committee have not called witnesses, and that they hope to be able to report early next year. There appears, therefore, to be no occasion to ask them to consider making an interim Report.

Mr. R. MORRISON

In view of the uncertainty of a large number of local authorities as to what exactly is the policy of the Board of Education towards the provision of special schools for mentally defective children, can the right hon. Gentleman facilitate the issue of this Report or make some further statement in order that local authorities may know what they are expected to do?

Lord E. PERCY

The hon. Member is entirely mistaken. There is no uncertainty in the mind of local authorities, and any local authority which wishes to consult the Board can do so at any moment.

Mr. MORRISON

Am I to understand that the President of the Board of Education wishes local authorities to feel that no further provision should be made for special schools for mentally defective children?

Lord E. PERCY

The hon. Member is not to understand that. He is to understand that local authorities are free to consult with the Board in connection with any project they have in mind for the provision of special schools for these children.

Mr. MORRISON

Is it not the case that a considerable number of local authorities have submitted plans for these special schools for mentally defective children, and, as they have not met with the approval of the Board, they are in some doubt on the matter?

Lord E. PERCY

After the communications they have had with the Board, I do not think they can be in any doubt at all.