§ 30. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Education what special provision is being made for the training of handicapped children in need of specialised training; what schools have been provided for this 575 purpose; what guidance has been given to local authorities for dealing with this problem; and if he will make a special grant to education committees to enable them to take a more active interest in this problem.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonSpecial educational treatment is provided for handicapped children both in ordinary schools and in more than 800 special schools. There are also a number of institutions specially approved by me for the provision of further education and training of blind, deaf and physically handicapped children. Expenditure on this work is assisted under the general grant arrangements.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that in a large number of cities these unfortunate children are totally neglected? In some places it is left for charitable organisations to train them. Will he take steps to press on local education authorities the necessity of training these helpless little children?
§ Mr. ThompsonI think that most local authorities are aware of their responsibilities in this matter. If the hon. Member has examples of neglect such as he has described, I shall be pleased to have them and to look into them.