§ Mr.Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with access for disabled children integrated into mainstream schools to specialised services such as physiotherapy and speech therapy.
§ Mr.John PattenIn assessing children's special educational needs, it is the duty of local education authorities to obtain medical advice from the district health authority and to specify any non-educational provision, including health care which the children need and which they are satisfied will be made by that authority. I understand that the recommendations for specialised health services are likely to increase as a result of multi-professional assessments carried out under the Education Act 1981. However, it is recognised that full implementation of the Act will be a gradual process and that progressive improvements and changes in provision will need to take place over a period of time.