HC Deb 25 October 1983 vol 47 cc128-9
6. Mr. Cunliffe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the overall provision in schools for children with significant learning difficulties.

Sir Keith Joseph

Generally, yes; but, as I told the National Council for Special Education earlier this year, we need to look closely at whether the aims of the special schools are ambitious enough. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that speech.

Mr. Cunliffe

Why does the right hon. Gentleman appear to be complacent and indifferent about this matter? Many of us are aware of and entirely dissatisfied with the distinct lack of commitment by most local authorities in dealing with the spirit and intentions of the Education Act 1981 in relation to disabled and handicapped children. Will the right hon. Gentleman exhort authorities to take further action to implement those provisions as speedily as possible, regardless of Government-imposed cuts in their expenditure, and to treat the matter more seriously, remembering that we should be far more compassionate in our attitudes towards needy children of this character? What further action does the Minister intend to take?

Sir Keith Joseph

The hon. Gentleman's attitude is entirely unjustified in relation to local education authorities, teachers and Her Majesty's Government. His question is broadly defined and I answered him in terms of the special schools. The movement of children who might otherwise have gone to special schools into schools for normal children must be judged in each case. There is money—money is being preserved in real terms for the special schools — and teachers and local education [...]rities are co-operating to put into effect the spirit of [...]1 Act as fast as is practicable.

Mr. John Townend

Will my right hon. Friend [...]at dyslexia is now accepted by all education [...]as a major cause of learning difficulty?

Sir.Joseph

That is practically fighting talk. There is much dispute about whether dyslexia is an adequate description of severe learning difficulties. That there are Widespread learning difficulties is accepted. The exact name to be given for it — the diagnosis and treatment—is a different matter.

Dr. M. S. Miller

In view of the point that the right hon. Gentleman made about the aims not being sufficiently ambitious in certain areas, is he satisfied with the provision being made for children with significant learning difficulties whose difficulties are the result of communication problems?

Sir Keith Joseph

Of course I am not satisfied, nor can anyone in the education service be satisfied, because the problems are so inherently difficult. There is enormous enthusiasm and great caring on the part of the teachers. My worry is that the teachers are perhaps not ambitious enough in using all the modern techniques known across the world to overcome the various handicaps. But, as I say, the problems are inherently difficult.