asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken towards securing improved arrangements for non-educational provision identified in statements of special needs made under the Education Act 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Most of the non-educational provision identified in statements involves the provision of health services, which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. Advice to district health authorities and local education authorities, issued jointly by the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Social Security, makes it clear that the best means of collaboration for each area needs to be settled locally and stresses that inter-authority and inter-professional co-operation and collaboration are essential for effective assessment under the provisions of the Education Act 1981.My right hon. Friend is aware of the problems in this field. He will be taking these into account in his review of the provisions of the Education Act 1981, which will be carried out in the light of the findings of recent research and of the inquiry by the Select Committee into special education.