§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland have language disorders; and what provision exists in Scotland for children with language disorders.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAt the time of the 1991 schools census, some 1,719 children were recorded as having difficulties with language and communication. Education authorities in Scotland secure provision of a range of facilities for these children in mainstream schools and in special units.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the appropriate level of staffing and other provision for children with language and speech disorders and on the location of these provisions.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIt is the responsibility of education authorities to provide adequate and efficient education for children, including those with special educational needs. It is, therefore, for authorities to decide the appropriate level and location of staffing and other provisions for children with speech and language disorders.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what language disorders are covered by the report for his Department by Her Majesty's inspector Mr. Gibson; and when he plans to publish the report.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe current investigation into educational provision for language and communication disorders is being conducted by a small team of Her Majesty's inspectors of schools and covers the special provision made for children with both linguistic and non-linguistic disorders. The children concerned are those with disorders in phonology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics of language, together with those with pervasive communication disorders such as autism. The investigation will be completed this autumn and a report published thereafter.