§ 65. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Education what increases in places in schools for deaf children have been provided since 1945; and how many deaf children are still awaiting school accommodation.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe number of deaf and partially deaf children in special schools has increased from 3,461 in January, 1946, the first post-war year for which figures are available, to 4,749 in January, 1952. In December, 1951, 429 deaf and 541 partially deaf children were known to local education authorities to be waiting for admission to special schools.
§ Mr. EvansIs the Minister satisfied that a proportionately large number of deaf and partially deaf children are without any form of technical education, and is she further aware that it is absolutely essential for these children, if they are to do anything in the world, to get into special schools for special training as early as possible? Will she try to stimulate the authorities, either in combination or not, to provide the necessary accommodation?
§ Miss HorsbrughYes, I am continuing to give a high priority to special school provision for deaf and partially deaf children in the educational building programme.