HC Deb 07 July 1949 vol 466 cc179-80W
72. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Minister of Education what additional provision he has approved for the education of retarded children in Harrow; from what date this will be available; and whether it will accommodate all the pupils of the district now awaiting this special facility.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have not received any specific proposal for a day special school for educationally sub-normal children in Harrow, but I understand that the Middlesex local education authority are considering whether certain existing premises could be made suitable for this purpose temporarily.

73. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Minister of Education how many additional classes, centres and places were provided in 1948 for retarded children in England and Wales; and how many it is proposed to add this year.

Mr. Tomlinson

In 1948, 734 additional day or boarding places were provided in new or enlarged special schools for educationally sub-normal children. The corresponding programme for 1949 amounts to about 1,300 places. The education of such children by special methods in ordinary schools is carried on in many different ways and cannot be assessed statistically.