§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will make a statement on the provision of conductive education for children with special needs;
(2) if his Department has any plans to fund (a) research into and (b) programmes of conductive education; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe system known as "conductive education" was developed in Hungary, in the context of the Hungarian educational system. I understand that a number of schools and units in England offer a form or derivative of conductive education. My Department is currently considering a proposal put forward by the Spastics Society for a small-scale study of current provision and an evaluation of the educational and other implications which would result from any wider development of the system in this country. There are no funds available to my right hon. Friend from which he could directly pay for independent programmes of conductive education.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations his Department has received from (a) parents of children with special needs and (b) voluntary organisations concerning the provision of conductive education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has received no general representations on the subject from parents of children with special needs. He is however currently considering two appeals submitted by parents under section 8(6) of the Education Act 1981 in which conductive education features as a relevant issue. The Spastics Society has submitted a request for financial assistance towards the cost of a proposed study into the system of conductive education and this application is now under consideration.