HC Deb 20 January 1986 vol 90 c11
11. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what relationship his Department intends as between the all-Wales strategy for the development of the mentally handicapped and the Education Act 1981.

Mr. Mark Robinson

The all-Wales advisory panel has established a sub-group to study education aspects of the strategy, and education interests are represented on it. I have no doubt that, when it reports later this year, it will give further advice on the relationship between the strategy and the Education Act 1981.

Mr. Grist

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is much dissatisfaction among education authorities over this matter and that there is great concern among many parents of handicapped children, who fear the end of special schools in favour of wholesale integration of such children into ordinary schools?

Mr. Robinson

I am not aware of dissatisfaction per se among the education authorities. After all, it is for them to establish their priorities. However, I am aware of certain dissatisfaction along the lines that my hon. Friend suggests, in South Glamorgan. This is a matter for parents to resolve with the education authority, but we are following the situation closely.