HC Deb 02 July 1931 vol 254 cc1443-4
27. Mrs. MANNING

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of special schools for mentally defective children which have been opened during the years 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930, respectively?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

The numbers of special schools for mentally defective children open during the years in question were five in 1926, four in 1927, none in 1928, four in 1929 and one in 1930.

Mrs. MANNING

Having regard to the fact that there are 105,000 mentally- defective children in this country, and only 16,000 of them are in schools for mentally-defective children, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that local authorities are making?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

I realise the difficulties in which the local authorities find themselves.