§ 55. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the number of spastic children of school age in Wales and on the special educational facilities available for them; and to what extent he anticipates such facilities may be increased in the near future.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Dennis Vosper)There are at present no boarding special schools for physically handicapped children in Wales; but the Glamorgan authority are about to build one which will provide 100 places and which should meet the needs of all spastic children in Wales requiring boarding education. My right hon. Friend has also approved proposals of the Cardiff and Swansea authorities to provide day special school places for 'spastic children.
§ Mr. Edward EvansIs the Minister aware that in Swansea there has been for some time a successful school for spastics founded by voluntary effort?
§ Mr. VosperYes, I am aware of that, but this is additional needed provision.
§ Mr. C. HughesWill the Minister bear in mind that a number of North Wales children are Welsh-speaking, and will he give consideration to the appointment of a number of Welsh-speaking teachers in the school at Cardiff?
§ Mr. VosperYes. I will bear that consideration in mind. The new school in South Wales will accommodate those children from North Wales.