§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils are awaiting assessment of their special educational needs in each London local education authority at the latest date for which figures are available; what is the average delay between requests for and issuing of statements; what additional financial and human provision is made in each case to ensure statementing as soon as possible; what proposals he has for speeding up the procedure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonThis information is not collected centrally. The responsibility for carrying out assessments of special educational needs rests with the local education authorities. Advice and guidance in relation to the procedures for assessments and statements made under the Education Act 1981 is given in circular 22/ 89, which was issued jointly by the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health in September 1989.