HC Deb 23 March 1978 vol 946 cc788-9W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken to place children in List D schools following committal by children's hearings.

Mr. McElhone

I understand that children can be admitted to many junior schools almost immediately and that the waiting periods for admission to the other junior schools and to the intermediate and senior schools range from one week to three months.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in percentage terms the occupancy rate of each List D school in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

Mr. McElhone

Following is the available information:

Average occupancy rates 1st April to 31st March
1975–76 Per cent. 1976–77 Per cent. 1977–78 Per cent.
Senior Boys' Schools
Geilsland School 98.3 100.0 98.3
Kibble School 91.8 100.9 96.4
Loaningdale School 95.1 89.4 89.4
Rossie School 78.9 73.3 85.6
Rossie School (Secure Unit) 96.0 80.0 71.4
Springboig St. John's School 90.0 93.8 93.8
St. Andrew's School 92.3 92.3 91.0
Wellington School 67.2 48.3 87.9
Intermediate Boys' Schools
Kenmure St. Mary's School 90.5 96.8 93.7
Kenmure St. Mary's School (Secure Unit)* 100.0 88.9
Kerelaw School 93.7 71.3 94.4
Oakbank School 101.2 82.4 92.9
St. John Besce's School 88.0 80.0 82.0
St. Joseph's School 87.1 76.5 76.5
St. Philip's School 95.8 97.4 80.7
Thornly Park School 100.0 100.0 100.0
Junior Boys' Schools
Balgowan School 88.5 83.7 92.3
Ballikinrain School 94.0 98.0 96.0
Balrossie School 86.8 88.3 96.7
Dale School 95.7 39.1 87.0
Dr. Guthrie's Boys' School 87.8 97.6 96.3
St. Ninian's School 77.5 63.8 78.3
Senior Girls' Schools
Dr. Guthrie's Girls' School 70.3 80.0 79.0
Langlands Park School 88.6 91.4 97.1
Tynepark School 71.0 71.0 69.0
Intermediate Girls' Schools
Balgay School 77.5 72.5 82.5
Balgay School (Special Unit) 60.0 70.0 80.0
Junior Girls' Schools
Balnacraig School 47.8 95.0 90.0
Snowden School 36.4 72.7 81.8
* Opened April 1976.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the police, children's hearings, social workers and the public regarding the incidence of absconding from List D schools.

Mr. McElhone

My right hon. Friend has received no representations about the incidence of absconding, but two hon. Members have complained on behalf of constituents about damage caused by absconders.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many absconded from each List D school in 1975, 1976 and 1977, respectively.

Mr. McElhone

This information is not held centrally.