§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has any plans to enable the profoundly deaf to obtain teaching qualifications which would license them to teach, similar to the opportunities now being provided in social work for similarly qualified personnel; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherA candidate suffering from deafness may, at present, be admitted to a course of initial teacher training leading to qualification to teach in a maintained school provided the college concerned is satisfied as to his physical capacity for teaching, with where appropriate a hearing aid, and his suitability for the teaching profession in other respects. I have no plans to alter these arrangements.