§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision he is making to assist people suffering from speech disorders following strokes or other incidents; and whether he is satisfied that the needs of all these patients are being met.
§ Mr. MoyleGood progress has been made in moving towards the 20-year target for Great Britain of 2,500 speech 339W thereapists—whole-time equivalent—recommended in the 1972 Quirk report on speech therapy services. Numbers have grown from about 800 in 1972 to about 1,430 in 1976, the latest available figure, but we are still some way from being able to meet all the needs of patients. The development of speech therapy, as with all other aspects of rehabilitation, remains a priority area for development.