HC Deb 11 July 1963 vol 680 c1388
5. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education how many courses for teachers of handicapped children are being arranged for 1963–64.

Sir E. Boyle

Thirteen supplementary and eight special advanced one-year courses, as well as two one-term courses.

Mr. Boyden

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this only touches the fringe of the problem? Surely he knows that there are about 10,000 handicapped children awaiting training and that one of the reasons is the insufficient number of trained teachers. Can he not considerably step up the number of these courses?

Sir E. Boyle

The number will be bigger in 1963–64 than it was in 1962–63. One of the difficulties is that places in the courses are not filled. I can send the hon. Member details. I am anxious to increase the supply of specially trained teachers for handicapped children and I can tell the House that authorities and managing bodies responsible for special schools were specially asked in January of this year to release as many teachers as possible for these courses in 1963–64 and in subsequent years.

Mr. Boyden

But if places are not filled, surely this is a bad breakdown of the administration. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman remedy that?

Sir E. Boyle

It was exactly for that reason that I sent out this special request in January of this year.