§ 12. Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will withdraw his circular No. 925 in order that all profoundly mentally handicapped schoolchildren may have access to fully qualified teaching staff in schools.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI am considering this and other issues affecting the conduct of special schools in the light of the 1981 legislation on special educational needs.
§ Mrs. McCurleyWill my hon. Friend confirm that the objective of raising the standard of teaching in schools applies equally to the mentally handicapped? Where there are exceptions, will he provide for fully qualified teaching staff?
§ Mr. StewartI do not envisage education authorities being required to employ teachers to the exclusion of other staff, but I am aware that some of those concerned feel that minimum staffing levels should be prescribed by regulation. I shall issue a consultation document on that point. However, I am sure that my hon. Friend will be the first to agree that there has been grew: progress since the passage of the Education (Mentally Handicapped Children) (Scotland) Act 1974, which was introduced as a private Member's Bill by my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Gray of Contin.
§ Mr. DouglasIs the Minister aware that there are many hon. Members on both sides of the House who are worried about the teaching of spastic children at Westerlea school? Will he use his Department's good offices to consult the Scottish Council for Spastics on how the needs of spastic children in Scotland can best be met? Is he further aware that there is considerable disquiet among the parents of such children about their children's needs not being adequately met by the council?
§ Mr. StewartI have noted what the hon. Gentleman has said and I shall look into the matter.