HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1312-3
19. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Education the number of vacancies available at the present time for maladjusted children, both boys and girls, under his Ministry and the local authorities; and the number of such boys and girls, separately, ascertained as maladjusted.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

Special schools and boarding homes have accommodation for 527 maladjusted children, but I have no information about current vacancies. In January, 1947, there were 3,896 boys and 1,899 girls ascertained as maladjusted: the great majority of these can appropriately be treated by attendance at a child guidance clinic.

Mr. Osborne

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the hostels which were set up by the Ministry of Health for difficult children under the evacuation scheme have been closed, and how many could be used for this purpose?

Mr. Tomlinson

I could not say, but eight proposals for special schools are under consideration at the moment.

Mr. Gallacher

Will my right hon. Friend take charge of the Tory candidate in Paisley, who is sadly maladjusted?

Mr. Kirkwood

Good old Paisley.