§ 42. Mr. Archerasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the diagnosis, treatment and social welfare provisions available for invalid children.
§ Mr. LoughlinIn March of this year a joint circular was sent by the Department of Education and Science and my Department to all local health, welfare and education authorities calling for a review of arrangements for co-ordinating services for handicapped children and 927 young people, and emphasising the importance of early and complete diagnosis and continuing care and support. Reports from these authorities are now being considered.
§ Mr. ArcherWhile thinking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind when he reviews the matter that a great deal of suffering could be avoided if the results of early diagnosis were made available to education authorities so that they could place children in suitable schools, and to the youth employment service to enable it to place them in suitable employment?
§ Mr. LoughlinI appreciate my hon. Friend's point. My right hon. Friend will be considering the reports and, no doubt, will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.