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Proceeding contribution from John Bercow (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Friday, 15 May 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill.


Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill

In response to that, I have again received an encouraging nod of the ministerial head. Let me end by saying something about exclusions guidance. The National Autistic Society and I would welcome an opportunity to participate in the consultation process. We are also keen to be involved in the consultation on the children and young people plans. I was given a pretty clear steer on this by the Minister. The Government have given us an advance indication of important research on exclusions, which I think—although I am not sure—is to be published, and we would welcome sight of that at the time when it would be proper for us to see it. My engagement with the Minister, with her right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and with the Department's officials is proof positive that it is possible to make real progress by engaging in a non-partisan way. I had a little list, to coin a phrase, of no fewer than 25 commitments which I had some reason to hope, and anticipate, that the Government would make today. As the Minister rose to reply to the debate I had the list in front of me, and I am pleased to say that I was able to tick off each and every one of the 25. That is a form of pre-emptive gratification for a Member presenting a private Member's Bill. As I said to the Minister yesterday and as I also said in my speech this morning, I am not remotely bothered about or interested in a "Bercow Act", and I understand why the Government feel that to legislate at this stage is not the best course. What I am trying to do is deliver a step change in performance that will bring about improvements in services and care for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. I am thoroughly reassured by what the Minister has said today: I believe that such improvements will come about, that they will be driven, and that parents and students themselves will enjoy the benefits. Obviously I shall keep a beady eye on developments and we will have many future discussions, but following the Minister's assurances I am happy to withdraw my Bill. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Motion, by leave, withdrawn.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
492 c1164 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disability Children Classroom assistants Autism Inspections Discrimination Dyslexia Pupil exclusions Staff Standards Schools Teachers Special educational needs Training
Legislation
Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk