HC Deb 29 October 1992 vol 212 c804W
17. Mr. Bowis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils in Northern Ireland schools have been statemented.

Mr. Hanley

At January 1992, 6,365 children were receiving special educational provision in Northern Ireland. Normally I would expect such children to have statements of special education needs. However, a recent report in Great Britain claimed that numbers of children attending special schools in some local education authorities did not have statements. I have therefore asked the five education and library boards for detailed information on the position in Northern Ireland and I will write to the hon. Member when this information has been received.