HC Deb 26 October 1993 vol 230 cc559-60W
Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the sum of money that the Further Education Funding Council spent on special educational needs in 1992–93, by local authority area.

Mr. Boswell

The Further Education Funding Council did not assume its responsibilities until 1 April 1993. In 1993–94 the council has allocated the bulk of the funding for provision for students with learning difficulties and disabilities as part of colleges' recurrent funding. The allocations represent broadly stable funding and reflect the council's commitment to providing continuity of provision for these students.

Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he intends to respond to the third report from the Education Select Committee of Session 1992–93 on "Meeting Special Educational Needs: Statements of Needs and Provision".

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he intends to respond to the third report from the Education Select Committee of Session 1992–93 on "Meeting Special Educational Needs: Statements of Needs and Provision".

Mr. Forth

My right hon. Friend today issued the Government's response to the report "Meeting Special Educational Needs: Statements of Needs and Provision" by the Select Committee on Education. The Government welcome the report. The provisions in the Education Act 1993, including the draft code of practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs, published today, will improve the framework for special education.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he intends to consult about a draft code of practice on special educational needs under section 158 of the Education Act 1993.

Mr. Forth

My right hon. Friend is today issuing for consultation a draft of the code of practice on the identification and assessment of children with special educational needs together with drafts of the regulations governing statutory assessments and statements. Copies will be placed in the Library. All maintained schools and local education authorities will have to have regard to the code, as will district health authorities and social services departments when they assist LEAs in their duties towards children with special educational needs. The consultation period will last until 14 January. Subject to the approval of Parliament, the code will come into effect in September 1994.