§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, in accordance with those parts of the Education Reform Act 1988 which allow local education authorities in Wales to make therapeutic provisions, he will investigate with Her Majesty's inspector the shortfall in speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in the county of Clwyd and other Welsh local education authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsUnder the provisions of section 7 of the Education Act 1981, as amended by the Education Reform Act 1988, a local education authority may arrange for non-education provision such as speech therapy but it does not lay on them a duty to do so. The primary responsibility for that remains with the district health authority. Her Majesty's Inspectorate will continue to monitor the arrangements made within Wales for pupils with special educational needs including those who benefit from speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.