HC Deb 05 April 1974 vol 871 cc451-2W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to facilitate access to further education for deaf children.

Mr. Armstrong

Provision of courses, publicity for these and supporting services —all of which are important—are matters for local education authorities in the first instance. A good deal of experimental work is going on to establish how facilities for further education can best be made available for young people with impaired hearing. In some cases these can, with adequate support, attend ordinary courses; in others special courses need to be designed. My right hon. Friend certainly wishes to encourage more provision as resources permit. The Department has already grant-aided the establishment of units at two special schools which provide accommodation and support for students attending local colleges of further education.