§ 6. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the decision to reduce the number of lip-reading lessons, given to ex-service men suffering from deafness, to 25, and in view of the fact that it has been stated that such a reduction would almost wholly destroy the value of such training and inflict great hardship on the men afflicted with deafness, and that the saving involved will be almost negligible, he will reconsider this decision?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCareful consideration has recently been given to this matter in the light of the Ministry's experience, and it is the definite opinion of my advisers that proficiency in lip-reading, after a course 2074 of, say, 25 lessons under a skilled tutor, depends entirely upon regular practice, and is in no way furthered by additional tuition. It has been ascertained that proper tuition can be given under local authorities by lessons in the pensioner's spare time, and steps have, therefore, been taken to give effect to that system of instruction. While no loss of efficiency or hardship to the pensioner will be occasioned by this change, I have every reason to believe that a saving of public funds will be effected.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that local opinion is directly contrary to the opinion that he has just expressed?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am aware that there are one or two people who take the other view.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the feeling is that great hardship will be inflicted on these people?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am advised that that is not so.