§ Mr. Hannanasked the Minister of Education how many children attend special schools compulsorily until they have attained 16 years of age.
§ Sir E. BoyleIn January, 1963, the latest date for which returns are available, there were 68,846 pupils under 1658W years of age attending special schools—including hospital special schools—in England and Wales. 6,919 of these children were between the ages of 15 and 16.
§ Mr. Hannanasked the Minister of Education if he will state the estimated annual cost of paying bursaries to children compulsorily attending special schools under 16 years of age, similar to those bursaries paid to normal children who continue at school after the statutory age of 15 years.
§ Sir E. BoyleI cannot give a precise estimate, but the figure may be between £10,000 and £15,000.