§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many places currently exist at Larchmore School for the deaf; what is the size of the waiting list; for how many children, nationally, places are available in specialised schools for the deaf at any one time; and if he will consider an early extension of educational facilities at, or similar, to, Larch-more.
§ Mrs. ThatcherSince this matter is within my area of responsibility I have been asked to reply. The school can accommodate 25 children and has a waiting284W list of eight, but vacancies may occur at any time as children generally remain in the school for only a limited period. Some 5,000 places are available in special schools in England for deaf and partially hearing children. An extension of Larch-moor school is under consideration.