§ 53. Mr. Weitzmanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has asked local education authorities to furnish information as to the provision by such local authorities of special educational facilities for children who suffer from the dual handicaps of blindness and deafness; and what information has been provided.
§ Mrs. ThatcherYes: in a circular issued in July, 1970. Returns have now been received from almost all authorities and show a total of 335 children suffering in varying degrees from defects of both sight and hearing, together, in many cases, with other physical or mental handicaps. 379W The educational provision for these children is various, including attendance at special units, special schools or classes, and junior training centres (which will become special schools on 1st April next). Some were in hospital. The returns also include a number of children of preschool age who are attending day nurseries or are being visited at home while awaiting further assessment or placement.