HC Deb 16 December 1971 vol 828 cc156-7W
49. Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements have been made for training teachers of the mentally handicapped since the passage of the Education (Handicapped Children) Act, 1970.

Mrs. Thatcher

Twelve three-year courses of initial teacher training with special emphasis on mental handicap are now established. These provide for some 300 students annually and a further 80 will be accommodated by four more courses starting in 1972–73. 120 Holders of the Diploma of the Training Council are attending one year courses leading to qualified teacher status.