§ 30. Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Health whether he was aware that 700 sightless persons lived in London on less than 10s. each per week; whether similar circumstances prevailed in the provinces; and whether he would expedite legislation to deal with the problem of these sightless peoples?
§ Mr. PARKERThe Advisory Committee on the Blind have compiled much valuable information and statistics, which are under consideration at the Ministry of Health, both as to London and the rest of England. Certain Exchequer Grants-in-Aid are about to be disbursed to assist various agencies in their work for the blind, for which the regulations that have been prepared, after consultation with that Committee, will be issued in a few days. In reply to the concluding paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for the Duddesdon Division of Birmingham on the matter.
§ Mr. PARKERIt is obvious I cannot undertake that, but my hon. Friend will see that the matter is being dealt with.