§ 61. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Education how far, as a result of his recent circular, deaf, partially deaf and hard-of-hearing persons will be required to pay increased fees for lessons in lip-reading at evening classes; and if, in view of the fact that these lessons are a form of rehabilitation so that such persons shall be able to take a more effective part in social intercourse, he will give them a specific exemption from the new charges.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe new minimum fee of 10s. a term will apply to students aged 21 and over attending lip-reading classes. I do not feel justified in asking local education authorities to exempt these classes from this modest fee, but the normal arrangements will apply for remissions in cases of hardship.
§ Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Education if he will amend his regulations so as to reduce the minimum number required for the opening of a class on lip reading for deaf and hard of hearing pupils, having regard to the individual character of the teaching if it is to be effective.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no regulations dealing with minimum numbers for such classes. This is a matter for each local education authority to decide.