HC Deb 29 June 1999 vol 334 cc148-9W
Mrs. Organ

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students entered training for speech and language therapy in each year since 1995. [88417]

Mr. Denham

Between 1994–95 and 1997–98, the National Health Service was responsible for commissioning a small number of speech and language therapy places as reflected in the following table. During the same period, the Department for Education and Employment were also funding speech and language therapy education (see notes).

Since 1998, the National Health Service has assumed responsibility for all speech and language therapy training. This is also reflected in the table.

Number of National Health Service non medical education and training commissions for speech and language therapists
Year Number
1994–95 74
1995–96 74
1996–97 74
1997–98 76
1998–99 468
1999–2000 477

Notes:

Data for 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 shows actual intakes.

Data for 1998–99 shows planned intakes and is subject to change.

Data for 1999–2000 shows forecast intake and is subject to change.

Prior to 1998–99 funding was available from the Department for Education and Employment.

The apparent step change in the number of commissions in 1998–99 is as a result of changes to funding arrangements.

No data is available for the total number of training commissions between 1994–95 and 1997–98 since most of the training during this period was funded through mainstream DfEE education.

Mrs. Organ

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time for a patient to be(a) seen and (b) treated by a speech and language therapist in each health authority. [88419]

Mr. Hutton

Information relating specifically to appointments with speech and language therapists is not collected centrally.

Mrs. Organ

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of speech and language therapists have left the profession in each year since 1995. [88416]

Mr. Denham

This information is not collected centrally.

Mrs. Organ

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many unfilled posts there are for speech and language therapy in each health authority. [88418]

Mr. Denham

In January 1999, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, during his appearance at the House of Commons Health Committee, suggested that the Department should conduct a survey of staff shortages by the end of 1998–99. The results of this survey will be published in due course.