§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether, following the announcement of the intention to consider regional and national planning in relation to the educational provision for hearing-impaired children, support for this exercise has been forthcoming from national voluntary organisations and local education authorities;
(2) why the discussion document "Provision for Hearing-Impaired Children in Special Schools," about regional and national planning, was restricted to a consideration of special schools;
(3) if he will make it his policy to consider plans for the development of special school provision, for the deaf within the context of the overall pattern of special educational provision;
(4) if he has considered the recommendations made by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in regard to the planning of educational provision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe responsibility for securing the provision of sufficient and suitable schools for their area lies with the individual local education authorities. In this instance, the Department initiated consultations because there are so few special schools for deaf and partially hearing pupils that some national co-ordination was needed. By involving the individual local authorities, regional conferences and voluntary bodies, it was possible to take account of local developments in special education other than in the special schools. My right hon. Friend is grateful to all the bodies which have co-operated so willingly over the past three years.
The document submitted on 20 May 1985 by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf makes a number of suggestions which go well beyond the scope of the present consultation. My right hon. Friend will certainly take account of its comments in coming to conclusions about the future organisation of special schools.