§ 42. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many special schools for mental and physical defectives, respectively, there are in Scotland; in how many of these schools, respectively, the use of the tawse is authorised by the school authorities, and what are the authorities concerned; and in how many such schools respectively, the tawse is, in fact, used?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)There are in Scotland 31 special residential or day schools for physically defective children, 16 for mentally defective children and 22 for children of both types. In addition, there are 38 ordinary schools containing special classes for defective children—two for physical defectives, 31 for mental defectives and five for defectives of both types. Information regarding the second and third parts of the Question is not now available, but further inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. and learned Member when they are completed.
§ Mr. GibsonAre there no regulations at all with regard to special circumstances in which the tawse may be used in these very special schools?
§ Mr. JohnstonAs I have already stated, I will communicate with the hon. and learned Member when the facts are ascertained.