§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will provide, where necessary, the essential communication and other typewriter systems required by severely handicapped children to receive adequate educational opportunities; if he will take steps to ensure that these facilities are provided as soon as it is educationally desirable in the child s best interest; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe provision of equipment for the education of handi558W capped children is a matter primarily for local education authorities. Careful assessment of a severely handicapped child's needs is necessary, including his or her ability to use sophisticated equipment. Preparation for handling it may be required; and consultation with the social services department or area health authority would be appropriate if the equipment were needed also for noneducational purposes. Subject to these points, I am satisfied that every effort is made by LEAs to provide special educational equipment as soon as they believe it is in a child's best interests.