§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many dyslexic children there were in the school population in each of the past seven years; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what guidelines his Department has issued to local education authorities concerning the testing for dyslexia amongst young schoolchildren; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what recent consultations have been carried out between officials of his Department and local education authorities concerning the detection of dyslexia amongst schoolchildren; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Department does not maintain data on individual learning difficulties. The Education Act 1981 requires local education authorities to make an assessment of children in their area with special educational needs which require, or may require, the LEA to determine the appropriate provision. General advice to LEAs on their duties under the Education Act 1981 in relation to the making of assessments and statements of special educational needs is contained in Circular No. 22/89, which was issued on 29 September. I have made arrangements for the hon. Member to receive a copy of this circular, copies of which have already been placed in the Library.