§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current cost of policies arising from those recommendations of the Warnock committee that were implemented in the Education Act 1981.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe main requirements of the Education Act 1981, relating to the educational provision for children with special educational needs and the identification and assessment of such children, will come into force on 1 April 1983. The explanatory and financial memorandum did recognise that some local education authorities whose present practise was not in line with the new requirements might decide to employ some additional professional, administrative and advisory staff. Overall this was not regarded as giving rise to significant additional expenditure.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his most recent estimate of the cost of implementing those recommendations of the Warnock committee which have not as yet been implemented.
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§ Sir Keith JosephThe Warnock committee's report contained some 225 recommendations. In addition to those requiring legislation and incorporated in the Education Act 1981, others were addressed to local authorities, health authorities, professional bodies and other practitioners in special education. Many of these recommendations were concerned with questions of good practice and improving co-operation between all those active in special education; as such they do not necessarily involve expenditure. The Warnock committee found it impossible to estimate the cost of implementing its recommendations.