HC Deb 11 June 1953 vol 516 cc428-9
14. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Education in how many schools for the deaf and the partially deaf, respectively, there are vacancies for pupils; in how many there are waiting lists; and what is the overall position in regard to new admissions.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have no detailed information about vacancies or waiting lists at particular schools. I understand that most schools for the deaf and partially deaf have waiting lists, despite a steady increase in the number of places available.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister not aware that in some schools there is a very long list of empty places while in others there are long waiting lists? Will she examine this programme on an overall basis to see whether arrangements can be made between the various voluntary societies which run schools and the local authorities to see that there is a fair interchange so that no one shall be left without the necessary education?

Miss Horsbrugh

I will certainly look into that.

15. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Education in how many schools for the blind and partially seeing, respectively, there are vacancies for pupils; in how many schools there are waiting lists; and what is the overall position in regard to new admissions.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have no detailed information about vacancies or waiting lists at particular schools. I understand that there are vacancies at some schools for the blind, and that, in general, no serious delay occurs in the admission of children to schools for the blind or partially sighted.

Mr. Evans

May I follow up my supplementary question to the previous Question? The same principle is involved. There are schools with vacancies and there are schools with long waiting lists. Will the Minister call for returns from these schools for the partially seeing and schools for the blind to see whether accommodation can be made between those with surplus places and those with a long waiting list?

Miss Horsbrugh

Certainly, but I would remind the hon. Member that some of the blind children whom it is difficult to place suffer from other handicaps, in addition to their blindness, and there is the difficulty of trying to get the children into exactly the right type of school we want.