§ 5. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to publish the consultation document about the education of deaf-blind children.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Bob Dunn)A draft consultation paper was circulated for comment on I May to the local authority associations, voluntary bodies and other interested parties. A final version will be issued to local education authorities, schools and other relevant bodies after the consultation exercise has been completed.
§ Mr. AshleyIs the Minister aware that the consultative document acknowledged some important facts about deaf-blind children? First, it is difficult to make local authority provision for them becuse of their numbers. In some cases it is impossible to do so. Secondly, many of them are inappropriately placed in mental handicap schools. Thirdly, most of them have no communication whatever. They are deaf and blind, living in a world of total silence and darkness. However, the Government have produced a consultative document which is a scandal and which has been condemned by Sense— the organisation for deaf-blind children — and by parents. Does the Minister accept that the only answer is nationally co-ordinated provision? Will he take away this rotten document and rewrite it to ensure that there is proper provision for these children?
§ Mr. DunnAs the right hon. Gentleman is aware, the placement of deaf-blind children, like any other children with special needs, is a matter for the local education authorities. It is true that we do not know how many children should be classified as deaf-blind. One of the objects of the consultation exercise is to clear up the terminology and establish a basis for estimating and for action.
§ Mr. Robert AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware of the proposed closure of the Derby school for the deaf in Preston, at which some of my constituents have children? Is he further aware of the campaign to save this much needed and much valued facility in central Lancashire? Will he do all he can to ensure that this particular sort of education is continued for those who need it?
§ Mr. DunnI am aware of this campaign and I know how hard my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Atkins) has worked for it. I invite him to come and see me to discuss how this provision can be maintained or improved.
§ Mr. CorbettWill the Minister give the House an undertaking that, at the end of the consultation period, he can guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to ensure that there are enough qualified teachers for the deaf and blind in every part of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. DunnThere are at present no training courses especially for teachers of deaf-blind children. I believe that the future training needs of such teachers ought to be considered, and that is presently under consultation and review.
§ Mr. PawseyWhat representations has my hon. friend received from the National Deaf Children's Society regarding the training of teachers? What are his proposals for improving the training of such teachers?
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for Education and Science attended a meeting of Sense on 20 March. The training needs of teachers of pupils with profound multiple learning difficulties, and, in particular, deaf-blind children, will be reviewed in the light of the consultation process which is now taking place and will end, I hope, on 16 June.
§ Mr. BruceFollowing that last reply, when the Minister is considering his response to the report of the Advisory Committee on Supply and Education of Teachers, which proposed that the initial training for teachers of the deaf should be phased out, will he ensure that an adequate supply of trained teachers coming forward from in-service training is maintained?