HC Deb 13 July 1987 vol 119 cc321-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many posts for speech therapists remained unfilled at special schools in inner London at the most recent convenient date;

(2) how many special schools in inner London are currently estimated to be without an adequate level of speech therapy.

Mr. Dunn

The information is not available centrally.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to increase the number of places available for the training of speech therapists; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

Registration to practise as a speech therapist follows study for a degree in a relevant discipline recognised for the purpose by the College of Speech Therapists. It would be for the National Health Service as principal employer of speech therapists to approach providing institutions if it were considered that numbers on appropriate courses were insufficient.