Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to improve educational opportunities for disabled children; and what was the cost in 1983–84.
§ Mr. DunnThe primary responsibility for ensuring the provision for disabled children, as for all children, rests with the local education authorities. My right hon. Friend continues to encourage progress within the framework of the Education Act 1981. Figures showing expenditure in 1983–84 are not yet available. In 1982–83 expenditure by local education authorities on maintained special schools was £382.1 million, and on places for children with special educational needs in non-maintained and independent schools, £90.7 million. Expenditure on provision for disabled children in ordinary schools is not separately identified.