HC Deb 16 February 1988 vol 127 c818
12. Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to increase the number of people training to teach children with special education needs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

Our policy is to maintain the supply of specialist teachers of children with special education needs.

Mr. Fisher

Why does special education merit only one clause of three lines in the Education Reform Bill? Is that an indication of how seriously the Government take children with special education needs? If the Minister cares about special education, what additional resources and staff will he provide to address the important special education needs of children?

Mr. Dunn

If the hon. Member bothered to read the proceedings of the Committee, he would notice that the Committee has spent a great deal of time dealing with the problems of children with special education needs. The Government have accepted a number of changes that will improve the position of such children under the Education Reform Bill.

Rev. Martin Smyth

Will the Minister consult his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to ensure that there is adequate provision for children with special education needs, because our teachers are trained in England?

Mr. Dunn

I thank the hon. Member for that helpful point.