HC Deb 16 May 1978 vol 950 cc216-7
1. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the light of the fact that throughout England and Wales the parents of children who require special tuition because of speaking difficulties are concerned at the lack of facilities in this educational field, if she will make a statement on what action she is taking or intends to take, to improve the present position.

The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mrs. Margaret Jackson)

I am well aware of the difficulties faced by children who have disorders of speech or language. The identification, assessment and placement of individual children are matters for the local education authority concerned, in consultation with the parents. In addition to the provision made in special schools, local education authorities are increasingly setting up classes and units for these children in ordinary schools. Her Majesty's Inspectorate is currently reviewing some of this provision.

Mr. Wainwright

Does my hon. Friend realise that thousands of parents are deeply disturbed about the future of their children who require special teaching facilities? The children are not being organised, and it is no good leaving it to the local education authorities. Will my hon. Friend therefore take into account the fact that these parents are deeply worried about what is to happen to their children when the parents pass away? In this very cold, inconsiderate and thoughtless society, we ought to offer special facilities for these children to be educated and trained.

Miss Jackson

We do our best to encourage local authorities to offer such special facilities in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, as my hon. Friend will know, legislation has placed the duty of carrying out such practices on local authorities rather than on us, but we seek to see that the right kind of provision is made.

Mr. Wigley

Does not the Minister accept that it is necessary to provide not only special units but also the specialist teachers within them? Is she satisfied with the situation in relation to speech therapists, particularly in view of the drastic shortfall between the numbers now available and those recommended in the Quirk Report?

Miss Jackson

The provision of speech therapists is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. However, it is not my information that there is a shortfall below the figures recommended by the Quirk Report, in the sense that the Quirk Report recommended a certain level of provision but also recommended the speed with which that provision should be reached. It is my understanding that we are, in fact, doing better than the Quirk Report recommended in this connection.

Mr. George Rodgers

Will my hon. Friend explain the association between her Department and the Department of Health and Social Security in this matter? Presumably the qualified teacher as distinct from a speech therapist, has to have a knowledge of teaching. Does she agree that this situation has lingered for many years and during many Governments? Is there a prospect of remedying it? It leads to great frustrations to the children and their parents.

Miss Jackson

I understand that there is very close co-operation between speech therapists and teachers in the provision of this work. Many speech therapists carry out a great deal of their work in schools or in particular classes in co-operation with the teachers, but we are always anxious to see this improved.