HC Deb 27 February 1984 vol 55 c53W
Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list his statutory responsibilities for providing full-time education for mentally-handicapped young people up to the age of 19 years.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, as amended, there is the presumption of an individual right for all, whether handicapped or not, to continued school education up to the age of 18. Statute does not confer a similar right to access to further education. Education authorities have, however, a general duty to secure for their areas adequate and efficient provision of both school education and further education.