John Bercow calls for a debate on special educational needs, in particular to debate breaking the link between the assessment of need and the funding of provision - currently often the same authority.

John Bercow (Buckingham) (Con): May I associate myself with calls from both sides of the House for a debate on the relationship between Parliament and the Executive?

May we please have a debate in Government time on the Floor of this House on special educational needs? Given that it is now almost three years since the then Education and Skills Committee, under the chairmanship of the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman), called for a breaking of the link between the assessment of need and the funding of provision, and, on top of that, that this year, at Government request, Ofsted is to conduct a detailed inquiry into the provision of education of children with SEN, is it not now timely for this House to consider how best to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our country?

Ms Harman: I shall take up the point that the hon. Gentleman makes. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to him for the work that he has done, which is not only important to his constituents but of concern to Members of all parties. I shall look for an opportunity to take those issues forward in the way that he suggests.

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