HC Deb 21 June 1977 vol 933 cc431-2W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of teachers involved in international exchanges have been teachers of the deaf in the last five years; what proportion of students involved in international exchanges have been deaf in the last five years; and if she will take steps to encourage international exchange of teachers and students concerned with deafness.

Miss Margaret Jackson

During the last five years, three teachers out of approximately 1,000 English-speaking teachers exchanged were teachers of the deaf. During the same period, about 600 deaf young people took part in known youth exchanges—approximately 1 per cent. of the known total; it is not possible to say what proportion were students. The Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges, which is fully grant-aided by the three United Kingdom Education Departments, has given considerable assistance to exchanges of young deaf people, and will continue to do so.