§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science 279W if he is satisfied as to the facilities in the West Riding for the education of handicapped children; and if he will make a statement on his Department's future policy.
§ Miss BaconMy right hon. Friend is providing over the next few years an expanded programme of special school building, for details of which I would refer my hon. Friend to my written reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Ron Lewis) on 7th April. National priority is being given to the needs of the educationally subnormal and maladjusted children and those suffering from spina bifida. In the West Riding of Yorkshire, the Department has been particularly concerned with provision for physically handicapped children generally and not only those suffering from spina bifida, and, following regional discussions with Her Majesty's Inspectorate, a number of building proposals are now being considered.