HC Deb 12 December 1973 vol 866 cc146-7W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many children have been referred to the Dyslexia Institute by local education authorities since it opened in January 1973; and which local education authorities have referred children there;

(2) how many teachers have been sent on courses at the Dyslexia Institute by local education authorities since January 1973; and which local education authorities have sent teachers there to be trained in teaching dyslexic children.

Mr. Raison

I understand that the institute is an independent organisation sponsored by the North Surrey Dyslexia Society. The Department does not have the information asked for, but I am sure the institute would be glad to supply it to the hon. Member.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement concerning her plans to increase the numbers of teachers who have received training in the education of children with specific reading difficulties.

Mr. Raison

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to a Question by the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead). I share the hon. Member's concern to effect improvements in this field, and I am awaiting with interest the advice of the committee of inquiry into reading and the use of English. In the meantime, my right hon. Friend is consulting her advisory committee on the supply and training of teachers about priorities for the development of in-service training generally.

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