HC Deb 15 March 1972 vol 833 cc533-4
28. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the provision of education for deaf children in primary and secondary schools.

Mr. Monro

My right hon. Friend has recently agreed to a proposal made by Moray House College of Education for the establishment there of a Scottish Centre for the Education of the Deaf, and his Department is currently considering how the secondary education provision for the deaf could be improved.

Mr. Mackenzie

I am grateful for that reply. May I press the hon. Gentleman to persuade local education authorities that this is a serious business, as there are too many local education authorities which do not take it seriously enough, and to provide more places for deaf children in primary and secondary schools?

Mr. Monro

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his supplementary question. I know that his own county, Lanarkshire, is looking at this matter. I hope that over the years we shall be able to provide a first-class service. However, at the moment there is no general shortage of teachers.

Forward to