HL Deb 10 December 1996 vol 576 c82WA
Lord Kingsland

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the 1995-96 annual report of the President of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Tribunal will be published.

Lord Henley

The report has been published today, and copies have been placed in the Library.

I very much welcome the report. It demonstrates clearly that the SEN Tribunal has continued—and improved on—its record in meeting the targets it was set for dealing with appeals.

The Tribunal provides a unique and valuable mechanism for considering appeals and the needs of children are at the heart of its consideration. It has gained a deserved reputation for impartiality, informality and, above all, fairness. This was the basis on which it was established and it is a tribute to the professionalism of the Tribunal's members and staff that they have managed to achieve this.

I applaud the hard work of the Tribunal President, members and staff. A great deal has been achieved in the last year. I am confident that the Tribunal will continue to build on its excellent record.