HC Deb 06 February 1978 vol 943 cc440-1W
Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) of he will list the names of any local authorities in Scotland which have not yet implemented the provisions of the Education (Mentally Handicapped Children) (Scotland) Act 1974;

(2) how many local authorities in Scotland have now implemented the provisions of the Education (Mentally Handicapped Children) (Scotland) Act 1974.

Mr. McElhone

In May 1975 education authorities assumed responsibility for an estimated 1,600 severely mentally handicapped children previously excluded from the education system. By the summer term of 1976 they had succeeded in making provision for all but about 180 children resident outside hospital and a number of children resident in mental deficiency hospitals. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the report of the 1976 survey carried out by my Department. It is intended to undertake a further survey of progress this year.