HC Deb 11 July 1963 vol 680 cc1393-4
12. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education how many Swindon and Wiltshire children, respectively, who are in need of special education, are waiting for places at special schools; when these places will be provided for them; and what action he will take to help them meanwhile.

Sir E. Boyle

In January 1963, 31 children, in Swindon and 206 in the rest of Wiltshire were awaiting places in special schools, of whom 21 and 170 respectively were educationally sub-normal. A new school for 120 educationally sub-normal children should be finished this year and many children are receiving special help meanwhile in the ordinary schools.

Mr. Noel-Baker

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the numbers to which he has just referred mean that these children will never get the education they need? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dreadful situation in which these children and their parents are placed by the fact that educational facilities are not available for them? Will he do something to accelerate the provision of proper facilities for these educationally subnormal children?

Sir E. Boyle

I am not sure that the House realises how much has been done during the last 10 years. In 1953 there were just under 20,000 places for subnormal children in England and Wales. Already the figure is 36,000. It is going up by 2,000 new places a year, and projects already included in the building programme will increase the number of places to 49,000 within the next few years. In answer to the hon. Gentleman, the word"never" is far too strong to use in this context.

Mr. Boyden

Is it not a fact that 10,000 children still remain unplaced in special schools, and that this number has been there since 1949?

Sir E. Boyle

The number has been reduced considerably during recent years, but I recognise that more places are needed. This is largely because, as the years go by, many more children in need of special education are found by authorities. This is why we have a continuing programme of more places each year.

Mr. Noel-Baker

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.