HC Deb 29 January 1974 vol 868 cc59-60W
34. Sir D. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken, and proposes to take, upon the recommendations of the Quirk Report wtih regard to speech therapists.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer my right hon. and learned Friend to my reply to the hon. Members for Hackney, Central (Mr. Clinton Davis) and Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) and the right hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 22nd January.—[Vol. 867, c. 1436–7.]

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons are employed in Carlisle and Cumberland, respectively, in speech therapy; how many vacancies exist; if he is satisfied with the present services: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

1.2 and 2.5 speech therapists (full-time equivalent) are employed in Carlisle and Cumberland respectively. I understand that in Carlisle and Cumberland employing authorities would like to increase these numbers. The committee of inquiry into the speech therapy services concluded that deficiencies in the service exist and its report is being carefully studied by the Government.

Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many qualified speech therapists are practising in the area covered by the East Cheshire Hospital Management Committee

Mr. Alison

Three, one being employed by the hospital management committee and two by the local authority.