§ 67. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Education how many children are living in the Epileptic Colony, Lingfield; how many staff are employed; whether she is satisfied that the children are properly cared for; whether she is aware that corporal punishment is inflicted on small boys; and whether, in view of the ailments of these children, she will give instructions that no corporal punishment is to be inflicted.
§ Mr. HardmanThere are at Lingfield Epileptic Colony 450 patients, of whom 253 are children. The total staff numbers 130, including the head teacher and 11 assistant teachers and I am satisfied that great interest is taken by the staff in the welfare and happiness of the children. I am informed that corporal punishment is administered on occasion but only under careful control by the medical superintendent and the committee. I am investigating the circumstances in which it has been administered at this school and the whole question of the use of corporal punishment in special schools for handicapped children is receiving my immediate consideration.