asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision exists within Dundee and Tayside for the treatment of autistic children.

Children with autistic symptoms almost invariably suffer from other handicapping conditions which determine where they can most appropriately be placed. Five multiple-handicapped children are in Strathmartine hospital and two have been placed by the education authority in an independent special school in the region, Ochil Tower school, Auchterarder. Four others have been placed by the authority outside the region in Struan House, Alloa, and in other independent special schools.