§ 100. Mr. Nieldasked the Minister of Education how many special schools for handicapped children have been provided under Section 33 of the Education Act, 1944; and how many of such schools are available for the north-west in general and the city of Chester in particular.
§ Mr. TomlinsonSince 1st April, 1945, the date on which Part II of the Education Act, 1944, came into operation, 102 additional special schools have been provided of which 20 are in Lancashire and Cheshire. There are altogether 602 approved special schools in England and Wales of which 96 are in the northwestern counties of Lancashire and Cheshire. None of these is situated in Chester, but it is open to that local education authority to take up such places as may be available in the special schools when they need them.
§ 101. Mr. Nieldasked the Minister of Education to what extent local education authorities are providing special education treatment for children whom they decide require it in accordance with the duty imposed on them by Section 34 (4) of the Education Act, 1944.
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§ Mr. TomlinsonAt the beginning of 1949, the latest date for which figures are available, there were some 45,000 children being educated in special schools, an increase of some 6,500 since the beginning of 1946. As the result of a new return now being obtained, I hope to secure this year full information about the number of children requiring places in special schools which will enable me to assess how far the demand is being met.