§ 28. Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked 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. MonroMy 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. MackenzieI 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. MonroI 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.