HC Deb 28 July 1980 vol 989 c490W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated annual cost of the provisions made for mentally retarded children in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The information is not available in the form requested. The costs of social service and health service provision for mentally handicapped children cannot be disaggregated from the costs of provision for adults in this client group.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest estimate of the numbers of children classified as (a) mentally retarded, and (b) educationally subnormal, indicating the numbers in both categories.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

(a) The term "men tally retarded" is not a recognised classification in Wales.

(b) In January 1979 there were 11,184 children ascertained as educationally subnormal who were receiving special education or who were being educated in ordinary classes in maintained primary and secondary schools.