§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what information he has collected on the number of persons currently qualified in British Sign Language and to what levels; and what action he is taking to encourage the attainment of these qualifications. [92312]
§ Mr. MudieThe Department does not have information on those holding qualifications in Sign Language. A number of qualifications in Sign Language and aiding communication for deaf people are included in Schedule 2(a) of the 1992 Further and Higher Education Act and are therefore eligible for funding by the Further Education Funding Council. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has supported the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People in developing individual units in Sign Language which are designed to aid take-up of qualifications.