HC Deb 08 July 1992 vol 211 cc202-3W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the average length of time that children with special needs have to wait before being assessed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

Information for each local education authority is not available centrally. However, there is recent evidence that some authorities are failing to meet the Government's guidelines that the procedures for assessment and the issue of a statement should not exceed six months. The Government have now decided that there should be comprehensive provisions for regulating the time and way in which the assessment and statementing procedures are carried out. My right hon. Friend is about to consult widely on the form and content of the regulations which will be required.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the Audit Commission's report on the assessment of children with special needs.

Mr. Forth

A press statement welcoming the publication of the report was issued on 25 June, and was placed in the Library.