§ 21. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education the number of schools now under construction in Wales for each of the following categories, namely, primary, secondary modern, secondary grammar 2478 and special for physically handicapped children.
§ Mr. HardmanForty-eight new primary schools; four secondary-modern schools; three secondary-grammar schools and five other secondary schools are now under construction in Wales. Major extensions to four existing primary schools, five secondary-grammar schools and three other secondary schools are also under construction. No special school for physically handicapped children is included in current building programmes in Wales.
§ Mr. ThomasWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his most encouraging reply to the first part of the Question, may I ask if he is aware that there are special claims for the physically handicapped children, and will he see that they do not suffer unduly through the cuts proposed in the investment programme?
§ Mr. HardmanYes, Sir; my right hon. Friend and I are doing everything in our power to be as generous as possible in providing for the handicapped child.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if an area as large as Wales does not provide its own schools for severely physically handicapped children they inevitably seek schools elsewhere? As these schools are already overcrowded, will he do what he can to make each area provide its own?
§ Mr. HardmanYes, Sir.
§ 22. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education the number of technical schools provided in Wales since 1945; the number for which plans have been approved; and the number now under construction.
§ Mr. HardmanNo new technical college has been completed in Wales since 1945, but five are under construction. Major extensions to four colleges have been completed since 1945 and three extension projects are under construction.
§ Mr. ThomasIs my hon. Friend aware that for Wales this means that more will be provided than in the entire years between the wars, and that his answer will be much appreciated?
§ 23. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education what further report he has received from the Joint Education Committee for Wales concerning the provision 2479 of school accommodation for spastic children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HardmanThis question was one of several discussed by officers of the Ministry and the Special Services Sub-Committee of the Welsh Joint Education Committee last April. It was suggested that the building of a school for physically handicapped children, including spastics, should start in 1952–3My right hon. Friend is now waiting for a definite proposal to build such a school.
§ Mr. ThomasIs my hon. Friend satisfied that these children will not suffer as a result of the proposed cuts in the investment programme?
§ Mr. HardmanYes, Sir.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs my hon. Friend nevertheless aware of the very considerable feeling that exists on this side of the House about this problem, and will he do all he can to solve the problem?
§ Mr. HardmanWe recognise the general shortage of special schools, particularly in Wales, and, as I have already said, we are determined to do everything possible to speed up their provision.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the hon. Gentleman taking any steps to provide accommodation for spastic Ministers?
§ Mr. HardmanYes, Sir, and I would propose making the hon. Gentleman the principal in charge.