Bristol Royal School for the Blind

HC Deb 05 July 1968 vol 767 cc276-7W

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement about the closure of the Bristol Royal School for the Blind; how many children are affected by the proposed closure; what alternative accommodation is available for them in Bristol; and when the parents of the children will be consulted.

Mr. Denis Howell

Because of falling numbers and unsatisfactory premises, the governors of the Bristol Royal School for the Blind are closing the school at the end of the autumn term. Of the pupils at present at the school, a number would be transferring in any case and less than 30 will need alternative placement as a result of the closure: four of these come from Bristol. The local education authorities concerned are consulting parents about arrangements for the continued education of their children at other schools outside Bristol.