HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 c1370
10. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education how far local education authorities have been required, since May, 1956, to estimate the number of children in their areas requiring day and boarding places, respectively, in special schools for the educationally sub-normal, and not at present attending such schools; and what are the figures of the latest estimate.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The special return made in May, 1956, has not been repeated, but in a return on a rather different basis in January, 1957, local education authorities informed me that 7,210 children were awaiting places in special day schools and 6,612 places in boarding schools.

Mr. Stewart

Does the Minister remember that it appeared from the last Report of his Ministry on this subject that the returns which we have had on this matter were rather misleading? Is he arranging that in subsequent Reports we shall have returns which will give a correct picture?

Mr. Lloyd

I certainly hope to do that.