HC Deb 07 July 1986 vol 101 cc75-6W
Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many posts there are for speech therapists; and how many of these are vacant at the present time.

Mr. Whitney

Staffing levels are a matter for individual health authorities. At September 1984, the latest date for which centrally collected information is available, it was estimated that there were 2,150 speech therapists in post in England. Information about vacancies is not available but we are not aware of any general shortage.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the current provision of speech therapy services in the National Health Service as compared to (a) the National Health Service provision in 1979, (b) the private sector provision, (c) the population's need for speech therapy and (d) the provision in other industrialised countries.

Mr. Whitney

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.