§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will issue formal guidance to local education authorities on the implication of the recent Appeal Court judgment concerning local education authorities' duties to provide speech therapy for pupils with statements of special education needs; and348W what plans he has to ensure that the implications of this judgment are known to parents and relevant voluntary organisations.
§ Mr. FallonThe Department intends to issue for consultation a draft addendum to DES circular 22/89 on assessment and statement procedures shortly. DES circulars offer advice and guidance to local education authorities. They are also sent to relevant voluntary organisations some of which represent and advise parents. In addition, local education authorities and the Department would be expected to advise parents, as necessary, as individual cases arise.