§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will revise the funding available for specialist speech and language therapists' posts, clarify the code of practice in respect of responsibility for speech and language therapy and ensure that children receive speech and language therapy which they have been clinically assessed as needing; and if he will make a statement. [35840]
§ Mr. BowisThe funding of speech and language therapists' posts is a matter for individual health authorities. The code of practice already makes clear the respective responsibilities of health and education authorities in the provision of speech and language therapy for children with statements of special educational needs. The Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment encourage close collaboration between authorities locally.