asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many autistic children there are in Leeds and the adjacent West Riding districts who are in need of, or awaiting for, specialised schooling.

The Leeds local education authority knows of 16 children who have been diagnosed as autistic and who need and are receiving special educational treatment. No such children are waiting for special educational treatment in Leeds. In adjacent West Riding districts the local education authority have found no children with autistic symptoms who need special educational treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will arrange for a preliminary survey by qualified personnel to be made in the Leeds and surrounding districts with a view to the provision of schools for autistic children.

No. Children who need special educational treatment are identified by qualified staff of the school health, child guidance and school psychological services in collaboration with schools and hospital consultants.