§ 12. Mr. EasthamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the number of special schools operating in Manchester local education authority (a) five years ago, (b) last year and (c) currently.
§ Mr. ForthThroughout the period in question, there have been 26 special schools and two special units in the Manchester local education authority.
§ Mr. EasthamAs the Minister is aware, the Government have never met their responsibilities to disabled children under the Education Act 1981. Later this 644 year, more special schools will be closed. Will the Government give the House a firm assurance that they will make sure that there is sufficient money available for lifts, ramps, changing facilities, special toilets, furnishing and laboratory equipment, all of which will be needed for such children? It is one thing to say that we want integration in schools soon, and another to have the money to do the job.
§ Mr. ForthThe hon. Gentleman should talk to his hon. Friends on the Opposition Front Bench about their attitude to the provision of special schools as opposed to those in the mainstream. It is, and rightly so, for the local education authority—in this case, Manchester—to decide how far it believes that there should be provision in special schools and units or mainstream provision. That is its responsibility and I would look to, and expect, it to discharge that responsibility properly.