HC Deb 23 May 1972 vol 837 cc348-9W
66. Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the number of children suffering from autism being treated in hospitals, she will seek to increase the number of staff in hospital schools so that none of these children will be left on the wards.

Mrs. Thatcher

My Department is preparing guidance in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Security on the education of all children in hospitals, including the autistic. It is expected that a joint circular will be issued at the end of this year dealinginter alia with the matter raised by the hon. Member.

Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she envisages setting up the minimum number of 100 units for specialised education for autistic children which the National Society of Autistic Children have claimed to her are needed.

Mrs. Thatcher

Provision of educational facilities for autistic children is the responsibility of local education authorities. While a number of these are providing special schools or units for autistic children only, others prefer to place these children in existing special or ordinary schools in accordance with their individual needs. There is much to be said for both practices.

Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has received the report of the National Society for Autistic Children in which it is estimated that of some 6,000 autistic children in Great Britain only some 450 are receiving education in specialised units; and whether she will make a statement.

Mrs. Thatcher

I have read with interest the National Society's report "Their Right to Learn and Live". Estimates of the numbers of autistic children vary widely, as do views on the most appropriate means of providing education for them, and I do not think our state of knowledge is adequate to make the document in question the basis of policy in this very difficult field. My Department offered advice to local education authorities on the education of autistic children in circular No. 6/71, issued in June of last year, and I do not think any further statement is called for at present.