§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received regarding extra funding to create more speech therapist posts in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have received a number of representations about various aspects of speech therapy services. It is for individual health authorities to determine the number of speech therapist posts to be provided in their area. In England, the number of speech therapists employed in the NHS increased by 80 per cent. between 1979 and 1988.
The funding of speech therapist posts in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.