Written question asked by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 January 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: What plans he has for centres of excellence in Scotland similar to those in England, for the assessment and diagnosis of children with specific speech and language disorders; and how the planned provision in Scotland differs from that in England and Wales.

Answer: Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for centres of excellence in Scotland similar to those in England, for the assessment and diagnosis of children with specific speech and language disorders; and how the planned provision in Scotland differs from that in England and Wales. [13472] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: Health boards are responsible for assessing the needs of their residents with speech and language disorders and determining, with general practitioners, the services required to meet those needs and where to purchase them. Local authorities have the responsibility to meet the therapy needs of children with special speech and language needs.

Secondary information