§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many peripatetic teachers of the deaf are employed by each of the education authorities in England and Wales.
§ Dr. BoysonThe information requested is not available.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what preparatory work his Department has done for the implementation of the Education Act 1981 in relation to children under the age of five who have hearing difficulties.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Act lays local education authorities the duty to assess and make special educational provision for all children who need it, including the under fives. Authorities are currently engaged in preparatory work in anticipation of the Act coming into force, and most existing good practice will remain relevant. There is no indication at present that preparatory work by the Department is needed in this particular field, but if the hon. Member is aware of specific problems perhaps he would write to me.