HC Deb 10 March 1993 vol 220 cc614-5W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time music therapists are currently employed in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

The number of full-time music therapists in England at 30 September 1991, the latest date for which information is available centrally, is 40 (rounded to the nearest ten whole number). Information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Deployment of staff, including the number employed is a matter for trusts and directly managed units.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which local authorities use music therapy as a way of treating autistic children; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

This information is not held centrally. The Department is currently funding Professor Newson of Nottingham university to undertake an evaluation and comparative study of current interventions for children with autism.