§ Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many qualified speech therapists are covering the County of Lancashire in general and the Borough of Middleton in particular; whether she is satisfied that the numbers are sufficient; what steps are being taken to improve their availability; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeMy right hon. Friend is aware of the nationwide shortage of qualified speech therapists. An interdepartmental committee of inquiry under the chairmanship of Professor Randolph Quirk of London University is considering the rôle, training and organisation of the profession and is expected to report towards the end of next year. The position in individual local education authority areas is a matter on which the authorities themselves are best able to give information.