HC Deb 07 December 1936 vol 318 cc1635-6
48. Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the large percentage of boys and girls who leave deaf-and-dumb schools without any prospect of work to go to and remain unemployed for considerable periods; and will he consider the appointment of a departmental committee, with powers to inquire into the whole position, with a view to advising the best methods of finding employment for these individuals?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Shakespeare)

Figures obtained from the deaf schols for the period from 1923 to 1929 inclusive and published in Dr. Eichholz's report "A study of the Deaf in England and Wales" showed that the schools had information as to the after-careers of 93 per cent. of the children who had left school during that period, and that of these 75 per cent. were employed and 81 per cent. were living in satisfactory circumstances. These percentages may have fallen to some extent during the period of economic depression since 1929, but on the information before me, I am unable to agree that the percentage of unemployment among the deaf is high having regard to the disability from which they suffer, and I am not satisfied as to the need for a Departmental Committee to inquire into the position.

Mr. DAY

What is the percentage at the present time?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that these young people suffer under a serious handicap; and does he not think that some departmental body ought to deal with deaf and dumb boys and girls instead of leaving them entirely in the hands of voluntary organisations?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are watching the situation very closely, but, as I have explained, there is no point at present in setting up a committee such as has been suggested.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer mean that 19 per cent. of those leaving school have not found employment?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I think if the hon. Gentleman reads my answer again he will see that that is not the effect of it.