§ 21. Mr. Westwood(for Mr. Kirkwood) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is proposed to accommodate physically and mentally deficient children in the same building in the College Street School, Dumbarton; if so, is he satisfied that this arrangement is in conformity with the policy laid down by the Scottish Education Department; and what arrangements will be made for keeping the two classes of children separate?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This arrangement is in accord with the terms of paragraph 26 of the Department's Circular No. 105 dated 1st September, 1937, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. As to the last part of the question, arrangements will be made to keep the two classes of children separate in all respects—class tuition, meals and recreation.
§ Mr. MuffIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that such a condition of things would not be tolerated in England, and will he endeavour to bring Scotland up to the standard of England?
§ Mr. ElliotThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. It is the common practice in England and Wales and Scotland to provide on the same site, and in many cases under the same roof, a school for mentally defective children as well as physically defective children.
§ Mr. WestwoodEven though that may have been done by certain education authorities in the alleged interests of economy, does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is desirable in the interests either of education or of the children?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, Sir; indeed, that was recommended in the Circular issued by the Department to the authorities.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that mental deficiency demands special treatment and that special 911 buildings are required, and will he arrange for visitors to the Empire Exhibition to see how they are treating these children in Dumbarton?