To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what statutory provisions require an education authority to provide a relevant education service for an individual child with autistic spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement. [76404]

Education authorities have a duty under section 1 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to secure the adequate and efficient provision of school education for the children in their area, including children with special educational needs. This includes children with autistic spectrum disorders.The Government are implementing a number of measure, announced in November 1998, to assist authorities to improve provision for children with special educational needs. This includes increased investment of £2.5 million per year in in-service development and training for staff working with children with special educational needs, including those with autism.