§ Mrs. René e Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that the number of places available in State residential schools are sufficient to meet demand; and if he will set up an inquiry.
§ Dr. BoysonLocal education authorities are free to supplement their residential provision by the use of non-maintained schools where they consider this appropriate. My right hon. and learned Friend sees no need for an inquiry.
§ Mrs. René e Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many residential State boarding schools there are; and how this compares with the numbers for each year since 1970.
§ Dr. BoysonThe number of maintained schools with boarding provision in England and Wales in January of each year between 1970 and 1978 was as follows:
Schools for non-handicapped pupils Special schools for handicapped pupils 1970 136 254 1971 144 270 1972 134 298 1973 135 305 1974 124 302 1975 121 325 1976 127 525 1977 118 328 1978 113 337 Figures for 1979 and 1980 are not available.
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§ Mrs. René e Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total number of places available in residential State boarding schools; and how this compares with the numbers for each year since 1970.
§ Dr. BoysonIn 1978 there were some 8,900 boarding places available in schools for non-handicapped pupils in England and Wales, compared with some 9,700 places in 1968. In addition, some 1,000 places were available in non-maintained boarding houses attached to maintained day schools but run by voluntary bodies. Figures are not available for other years. Information is not available on the number of boarding places in maintained special schools. In 1978 there were, however, 15,100 boarding pupils in maintained special schools for the handicapped in England and Wales.