HC Deb 25 July 1967 vol 751 cc317-8
Q1. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to make the Secretary of State for Education and Science responsible for the education and training of all handicapped children and young people up to the age of 18 years.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave on 29th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Bishop).—[Vol. 749, c. 129.]

Mr. Watkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a serious lack of facilities for the education and welfare of these young people, arising in part, at least, from the present division of ministerial responsibility? Will he consider this as a matter of some urgency?

The Prime Minister

My two right hon. Friends concerned, and all of us, recognise the very serious problem presented. They are in very close consultation on all aspects of the problem, including the question of whether there should be changes in Ministerial responsibility. I am not yet convinced that there should be, but I hope that I may be able to make a statement later in the year.

Sir D. Renton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that advances made in recent years point clearly to the need for making this an educational responsibility? Will he use his influence to resolve this matter at the earliest possible date?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friends and I are well aware of the recent advances in this. It is not yet felt that this means that the responsibility for all the children concerned should be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education, but we are considering very deeply the division of responsibility between the two Departments.