HC Deb 12 March 1959 vol 601 cc1431-3
10. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Education what facilities exist in England and Wales generally, and in Middlesex particularly, for the education of partially-deaf children to General Certificate of Education level; how many places are available; and what is the estimated demand for such places.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Partially-deaf children whose handicap is not too severe are best educated in ordinary schools, where they have the same facilities as other children to take G.C.E. courses. Grammar school courses for more severely handicapped children are available at the Mary Hare Grammar School for the Deaf at Newbury.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Minister agree that he has side-stepped my Question? I was obviously talking about the partially-deaf children who are unable to assimilate the education given in ordinary schools. Does he agree that a wholly inadequate number of places is available for these partially-deaf children in the school to which he refers, and will he at least see that facilities are provided at the special schools for children to continue their education beyond the age of 15?

Mr. Lloyd

There may be a misunderstanding here. I did not desire to sidestep the question, because this is a very important subject. But partially-deaf children include those who can hear as well as ordinary children so long as they have a hearing aid. I think it will be agreed that those children are probably better in the normal schools. I am considering a proposal to add thirty places to the Mary Hare School, although I have not had evidence that there is a great demand for additional education.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his announcement of an expansion of the Mary Hare School will cause great pleasure to all who know the wonderful work that it does? Can he assure the House that constant vigilance is maintained to see that those partially-deaf children who are not particularly intelligent are not classified as mentally deficient because of their handicap, and are not condemned to bear that stigma, with the loss of the educational facilities available, for the rest of their lives?

Mr. Lloyd

I will look into that point.

Mr. Beswick

Before the general raising of the school-leaving age partially-deaf children were trained for a further two years. Since 1945, with the advance of general education, these children have been left behind, and there has been no increase in their school-leaving age.

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly look into that matter, and if the hon. Member would like to discuss it with me I should be glad to see him.

11. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Education what steps are taken at the special schools for partially-deaf children to ensure that such children leave school trained for useful employment.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The best preparation for useful employment for partially-deaf children is a good general education, which will enable them to take their place in the community on an equal footing with other people.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Minister also agree that some children are unable to take up an ordinary post, such as is open to ordinarily gifted children? Since we spend so much money later on in training disabled people, would not it be a good thing to see if we can fit these handicapped children for a post at school-leaving age?

Mr. Lloyd

I am not sure whether the hon. Member knows of the courses that are available for the partially-deaf children after they have left school, which are given at the Vocational Training Department of the Stretford Royal Residential Schools, which does very good work.