§ 64. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether the proposed Advisory Committee to consider schemes for the welfare of the blind will have power to consider the taking over, consolidating, and adminis- 620 tering of the whole of the charities and bequests given for the benefit of the blind; whether it will have power to suggest schemes for paying adequate pensions to all incapable, aged, and infirm blind persons; and whether its terms of reference will be such that it could apply to Parliament for a grant of money so to improve the income of the wage-earning blind that they may be able to live in decency and self-respect?
Mr. WALSHThe Advisory Committee has been appointed to advise the Local Government Board on all matters relating to the welfare of the blind. The particular questions referred to by the hon. Member are matters within the competence of the Committee, and they are fully empowered to advise the Local Government Board to apply to Parliament for any Grant which may be necessary to give effect to any of their recommendations.