§ Lord Hoosonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many speech therapists are currently being trained in England and Wales and whether the supply is considered adequate to provide a service as required by the public generally and by pupils with statements under Section 1 of the Education Act 1981.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Skelmersdale)I understand that there are currently 1,191 speech therapy students in England and Wales. It is for individual health authorities to assess the demand for speech therapists. The supply of speech therapists is sufficient to fill posts funded by health authorities.