HC Deb 16 January 1987 vol 108 c339W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the students attending colleges of further education in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) England and Wales are registered disabled.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The information is not collected centrally on a routine basis. However, in 1985 a survey of students with special educational needs was carried out, covering public sector higher education and non-advanced further education in England. The survey estimated that some 18,000 of the students attending courses at colleges of further and higher education had special educational needs which required additional support or equipment. This represents about 0.9 per cent. of students in public sector further and higher education. In addition some 26,000 students from other institutions were receiving tuition from FE college staff under link or outreach arrangements.

Information for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.