HC Deb 19 November 1970 vol 806 cc1414-5
22. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to ensure that local authorities are providing adequate facilities in ordinary schools for dealing with pupils who are socially maladjusted.

Mrs. Thatcher

It is for each local education authority to decide whether more special classes in its schools are required. The provision of additional places for maladjusted children in special schools or in special classes in ordinary schools is given high priority in the special education building programme.

Mr. Spearing

I thank the right hon. Lady for that reply, but can she assure us that she will take steps to find out the national picture, which I believe is her responsibility?

Mrs. Thatcher

Of course we have some idea of the national picture, and we have arranged that building projects due to start next year will provide over 500 new places for maladjusted children.