Handicapped Children

HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 cc611-3

6. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what increase in resources she proposes to make over the next three years for the education of handicapped children.

Mrs. Thatcher

The total building allocations for special schools will rise from £8.1 million in 1971–72 to £9.4 million in 1972–73 and to £10.3 million in 1973–74.

Mr. Dormand

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that that increase is adequate to meet the many and growing problems in special education, particularly as relatively speaking this sector of education receives less than it did a few years ago? Is not a review of special education long overdue?

Mrs. Thatcher

One would always like to spend more on this sector of education, as well as on others. This capital expenditure is accompanied by increases in recurring expenditure and by a substantial programme of research, but I cannot say how much of that will be completed in the next three years. There is also a substantial programme for increasing the number of teachers trained in teaching mentally handicapped children.

Mr. Rose

What additional facilities have been provided for autistic children in their education since my Adjournment debate early last Session? How much has been earmarked out of those sums for the provision of facilities for autistic children? Is the right hon. Lady aware that facilities are almost non-existent and are lamentable in the north of England?

Mrs. Thatcher

I cannot give specific figures for autistic children. Schools for autistic children come within the total capital expenditure.

Dame Irene Ward

My constituency needs more education facilities for mentally handicapped children. When a school project has been agreed and all the financial arrangements have been made and everything is in order, why cannot it be brought forward? This would help to mitigate the problem of unemployment. Does not the Secretary of State for Education have the same facility as the Secretary of State for the Environment to make special financial arrangements to bring forward a project which would both help the children and help with employment?

Mrs. Thatcher

Yes, Sir; we have brought forward a number of school building projects to do exactly that. If my hon. Friend has a specific case in mind, perhaps she will let me know about it.

Dame Irene Ward

I am grateful.