§ Sir Michael NeubertTo ask the Secretary of State for education what plans she has to increase the level of provision for autistic children in north-east London; and if she will make a statement. [24046]
§ Mr. ForthThe assessment of autistic children and the identification of a suitable school for them is the responsibility of the LEA in whose area they live. Not every LEA will be able to, or need to make its own specialist provision. In some cases collaboration between LEAs might be desirable; if this led one or more LEAs to publish statutory proposals for new schools or units, or to the development of additional provision in non-maintained special schools, the Secretary of State would consider any proposals carefully.