§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Employment what reports he has had from the National Children's Bureau Study of Further Education, Training and Employment of handicapped school leavers and if he will make a statement on his policy towards these reports.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMy Department has received and considered the report on handicapped school leavers which was published by the National Children's Bureau in July 1973. The report has been taken into account in so far as it affects the work of the careers service, but its recommendations will require further study by the committee of inquiry which is to examine the education of handicapped children.
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Employment what investigations his Department has made into the problems of children leaving schools for the deaf and hard of hearing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMy Department has not specifically investigated the problems of children leaving schools for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Government, however, have undertaken to set up a comprehensive inquiry into the education of handicapped children, including arrangements to prepare them for entry into employment, and it will be open to416W the committee of inquiry to examine problems associated with the employment of deaf school leavers.