HC Deb 31 March 1955 vol 539 c550
64. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education what opportunities there are for deaf children to pursue courses of instruction comparable to those available to normal children in grammar schools.

Mr. Vosper

The Mary Hare Special School at Newbury provides education for deaf boys and girls comparable with that of an ordinary grammar school.

Mr. Stewart

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that deaf children are less well provided for in this respect than children with other handicaps, such as blindness? Is there not a case for increasing this provision?

Mr. Vosper

The accommodation at this school is to be increased by 25 extra places. My right hon. Friend has reason to believe that when that is done there will be full accommodation for all these children.

Mr. Dugdale

Will the hon. Gentleman do everything possible to encourage the local authorities to reduce the size of classes in schools for deaf children?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir.