HC Deb 14 February 1977 vol 926 cc55-6W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the provision of occupational training for the hearing-impaired; if she will collate and present evidence on the advantages, respectively, of establishing a national institute for the further education or academic training of deaf school-leavers or of setting up deaf units attached to existing colleges, polytechnics and universities; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Courses offering vocational training facilities for the hearing-impaired are provided by several colleges of further education and by various voluntary organisations and special schools, some of which have links with the colleges.

As a general principle, I think it is preferable for handicapped students to receive further education and training in establishments providing for students generally, but I recognise that some students, including those whose hearing impairment is severe, might benefit from the specialised provision available in a national college. The Committee of Inquiry into Special Education will no doubt advise on this kind of issue.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the facilities available for hearing-impaired students in colleges of further and higher education; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

An increasing number of colleges provide facilities for the further education of the hearing-impaired and most colleges give serious consideration to admitting these students whatever their degree of hearing loss. But I readily agree that more can be done to improve provision generally.

Complementary to the Warnock Committee of Inquiry, Her Majesty's Inspectorate is carrying out a survey in England and Wales of provision for the handicapped in further and adult education and the youth service. It is hoped that this will provide not only statistical evidence but also possible patterns of organisation, good practice and lines for future development when resources permit.