§ Mr. Bruceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will take steps to assess how many deaf people and partially-hearing young people who left schools and units for hearing-impaired children in 1982 and 1983 are (a) undergoing further and higher education and (b) on youth training schemes;
(2) whether he will take steps to assess how many deaf and partially-hearing young people left schools and units for hearing-impaired children in 1982 and 1983.
§ Sir Keith JosephNo. I am not convinced that the collection of statistical data in the form suggested would be of significant assistance to me in the exercise of my responsibilities towards children and young people with special educational needs. Information about the destinations of school leavers in this category is more144W likely to be of positive value to those directly responsible for preparing such pupils for leaving school and for planning further provision for them. I agree with the recommendation in paragraph 4.78 of the report of the committee of inquiry into the education of handicapped children and young people, that it is for local education authorities to devise their own framework for recording the kind of information about children requiring special education provision which will enable them to make the necessary staff and other resources available to meet their needs.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are responsible for special education in their respective areas. Statistics about entry to youth training schemes are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.