HC Deb 09 May 1939 vol 347 cc296-7
66. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaf children in Scotland over five years of age are not getting the specialised education guaranteed by the Education Act, 1936, through their parents refusing to send them to schools situated more than three miles from their homes; and whether it is proposed to take any special measures to ensure that every deaf child is provided with adequate educational facilities?

Mr. Colville

The information asked for is not readily available, but I am making inquiries and will communicate the results to the hon Member.

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Health Department of Scotland not keep, or arrange with each local authority to keep, a motor car for the purpose of dealing with cases of this kind when taking them from their homes to the school?

Mr. Colville

The hon. Member asked whether I proposed any special measures and I said that I was awaiting information to see whether anything of that sort was necessary.

Mr. Mathers

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it is time that the three-mile limit were reduced, in view of the danger to these scholars from the traffic on the roads they have to use in going to school?

Mr. Colville

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will await the result of my inquiry.

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