§ Mr. MacGregorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in establishing the arrangements for the appointments of area speech therapists as recommended in the Quirk Report on Speech Therapy Services; and when such appointments can be expected to be authorised.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI have asked area health authorities to appoint area speech therapists as soon as practicable. Further progress depends on salaries being fixed for these posts. Lord Halsbury's committee of inquiry will no doubt include them in its recommendations on pay structure for this and certain other pro-294W fessions. Lord Halsbury has told me it would be unwise to expect the committee's report before the end of the year. I understand that the Whitley Council is proposing to meet on 19th December to discuss the possibility of making some progress in the meantime.
§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children in the areas covered by the Congle-ton and Macclesfield borough councils have currently been identfied as needing examination by a speech therapist.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAbout 11 children are referred each month and at present 25 are awaiting first appointments.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children in the area of the former Ormskirk Urban District Council and the former West Lancashire Rural District Council are currently identified as needing examination by a speech therapist.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris58 children are awaiting appointments at clinics in the former Ormskirk Urban District and 12 at clinics in the former West Lancashire Rural District.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many adults in the area of the former Ormskirk Urban District Council and the West Lancashire Rural District Council are currently identified as needing examination by a speech therapist;
(2) how many adults in Kirkby have been identified as requiring the service of a speech therapist.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI regret this information is not available in the form requested.