§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to the reply, Official Report, 17 March, columns 5–6, if he will take steps to ensure that his Department holds centrally the information on the numbers and proportions of hearing-impaired students who continue with higher education of various kinds and on the policies of local education authorities in assisting and encouraging these students.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt would be invidious to collect such information on hearing-impaired students only, as distinct from the generality of handicapped students. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the cost, both centrally and locally, of maintaining a central record of such information would be justified by the contribution it might make to Government policies.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to the answer of 17 March, Offical Report, column 6, when he expects to be able to make a statement on his policy towards the principle of charging the parents of hearing-impaired children aged over 16 years for board and lodging costs which arise because no appropriate further education opportunities are available within the county boundary and to continue their education the children have to go elsewhere.
§ Mr. Chris PattenMy right hon. Friend will consider the principle of such charges in the light of the examination of the several complaints on this score which the Department is currently conducting. The reply to the National Deaf Children's Society, to which my answer of 17 March referred, will furnish a statement of his policy on the matter and I shall ensure that the right hon. Member receives a copy of this.