Oral Answers to Questions

Vicky Foxcroft Excerpts

Monday 7th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

My right hon. Friend raises the important point of young people’s mental health and the benefits they get from going to back to school, college or university. That is why we have worked incredibly closely with not just the school sectors but the university sector to ensure that that return is done in a safe, cautious and planned way, and I give thanks for all the work done in the higher education sector. We do recognise that covid has presented some quite challenging mental health problems to many young people as well as staff, which is why we announced a £9 million fund to support additional enhanced mental health work to support those who work in and those who benefit from being in the education sector, students included.

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab) [V]]

On 2 July, I asked the Secretary of State if he would write to me to confirm what extra practical support was being provided to disabled pupils, such as laptops and other assistive technology. As of yet, I have not received a response. Will he please update the House now, or at least let me know when I might receive the promised letter?

[Gavin Williamson]

I will certainly go back to the Department and immediately check why the hon. Member has not received that letter. I can only apologise for it not arriving.