§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware of the shortage of speech therapists in Essex and the County Borough of Southend; and if she will indicate what steps are being taken to revise the present establishments and also to train and recruit the additional numbers recommended by the Quirk Report.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasMy right hon. Friend is aware that the education and hospital authorities in these two areas, as in many others, would like to employ more speech therapists. She announced on 15th May the Government's acceptance of the Quirk Committee's recommendations for a unified service; and the four Departments concerned are considering the other recommendations in the report, including those concerned with the supply and training of additional therapists.