HC Deb 09 May 1939 vol 347 cc321-2W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaf-born children in Scotland began school life during 1938 above the age of three years; how many schools for the deaf there are in Scotland and where they are situated; and what further steps he proposes to take to secure compliance with Section 3 of the Education (Scotland) Act which requires provision for the efficient education of such children from the age of three years?

Mr. Colville

The returns furnished by managers of schools do not contain the information asked for in the first part of the question, but I am making inquiries and will communicate the results to the hon. and learned Member. There are at present in Scotland six residential schools for deaf children, situated in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow (two) and Lanarkshire, four day schools situated in Dundee, Glasgow and Renfrewshire (two), and three special classes attached to ordinary schools in Glasgow, Dunbartonshire and Lanarkshire. In regard to the third part of the question, I am not aware that education authorities are failing to fulfil the duty laid upon them by Section 3 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1890, as amended by Section 6 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1936.