HC Deb 20 February 1964 vol 689 cc1376-7
13. Mr. Wainwright

asked the Minister of Education what decision he has now reached on whether to introduce legislation whereby parents of handicapped children are able to apply for a maintenance grant when the child has reached the age of 15 years.

Sir E. Boyle

I have nothing at present to add to the Answer I gave the hon. Gentleman on 19th December last.

Mr. Wainwright

That is a very poor Answer. Has the Minister no compassion for the parents and these children? Does not he agree that handicapped schoolchildren must have at least the same consideration as normal children? In fact, should not they have greater consideration because of their handicap?

Sir E. Boyle

I assure the hon. Member that handicapped children, who are a most important category, now receive a greater share of the national resources in real terms than they did five or ten years ago. This is rising all the time. I do not see any likelihood of being able to introduce legislation on this subject during the present Session.

Mr. Hannan

Is the Minister aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland, in reply to a Question of mine on this subject about a year ago, seemed to indicate the possibility of introducing legislation? He said that this question would be looked at when a suitable opportunity for amending legislation presented itself and that this would require to be on a United Kingdom basis? Surely the Minister appreciates that there is a discrimination against these children, who are required to attend school until 16 years of age and receive no grant, whereas ordinary children receive grant after the statutory school leaving age of 15 if the circumstances of the home justify it? Will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? It is a small one, but it has very great human import.

Sir E. Boyle

If the hon. Member will look at my Answer and the answer which I gave to the first supplementary question, he will see that I was careful to use the words "at present" and "during the present Session". There is no difference between the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself on this subject. It is just a question of timing.

Mr. Willey

Would not the Minister agree that there is a very powerful case for reviewing the whole question of maintenance allowances? Will he give an assurance that this will be done?

Sir E. Boyle

Authorities have had complete freedom on maintenance allowances generally since the general grant was introduced.

Dr. King

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every education authority, and indeed himself, have declared that this is an anomaly and an injustice? Will he consider bringing in a simple, single-Clause Bill, which would have the support of the whole House and would be passed very quickly?

Sir E. Boyle

As I said when I last answered Questions on this subject, I thought that pupils in special schools benefited in other ways. I doubt whether serious hardship occurs, but I will naturally take into account the strong views which have been expressed this afternoon.

Mr. Wainwright

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.