HC Deb 01 April 1971 vol 814 cc415-6W
26. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what inquiries were made before her Department allowed local education authorities to send mentally retarded children to the private school in Scotland, details of which are in her possession; how many children have been taken away by their parents since September, 1970; and whether she has now ascertained the total number of local education authorities still sending children to the school.

Mrs. Thatcher

Advice was sought from the Scottish Education Department. I understand that seven of the boys placed by English local education authorities have been withdrawn by their parents. Four English education authorities are now sending children to the school. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about this school and am considering whether I should still permit English authorities to send children there.