HC Deb 07 March 1962 vol 655 cc377-8
7. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Defence what progress has been made with the provision of special educational facilities for the handicapped children of Service parents.

Mr. Watkinson

Handicapped children of Service parents use the special educational facilities provided in this country by local education authorities and voluntary bodies. The Services introduced new arrangements just over a year ago for considering the interests of such children and for helping them to obtain places in suitable schools. These arrangements are proving extremely valuable.

Mr. Boyden

Will the right hon. Gentleman say now whether the handicapped children of Service parents have the same opportunities and facilities as the children of ordinary residents with a good local education authority?

Mr. Watkinson

I believe so. If this is not so in any case, I should very much like to hear about it, because I think that these children are deserving of special care and help. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular problem, I shall be very glad to look into it.