HC Deb 15 July 1909 vol 7 cc2299-300
Mr. CLYNES

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a meeting on Sunday last, in Trafalgar Square, attended by hundreds of blind persons who demand better facilities for the technical training of the sightless and workshops for their employment; whether he is aware that of over 20,000 blind adults in the country not 3,000 are provided for in existing workshops; and whether he can promise an early opportunity for the passage of the Bill which has been introduced to afford the assistance required by the blind?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am aware of the demand that has been made from time to time for the provision of better facilities for the technical training of the blind. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware the Royal Commission of 1889 reported against State aid in this connection, and recommended that the care and training of the blind should be left to private benevolence. I can only repeat the assurance given by my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, to a recent deputation from the Trades Congress, that the Government regard this question with sympathy, and that they will give their consideration to any representations in support of State aid for the industrial training of the blind that may be made to them. I am afraid I cannot hold out any expectation of facilities for the Bill mentioned in the last paragraph of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. CLYNES

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the very severe handicap under which sightless persons labour in regard to any opportunity of earning their living, and whether, inasmuch as he is unable to afford any facilities for the further progress of the Bill, and in view of the proved insufficiency of means for providing for them by charitable effort, he can suggest that some action should be taken to assist these blind persons through the State Departments?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have answered that already, and said that the Government "will give their consideration to any representations in support of State aid for the industrial training of the blind that may be made to them."