HC Deb 23 March 1926 vol 193 cc1015-6
31. Mr. T. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of blind persons of both sexes who are employed, or undergoing training, in the workshops under the control of the West of Scotland local authorities; how many registered blind persons there are in this area not employed, but employable; and how many fit to receive training, but not being trained?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As the answer involves a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

TABLE REFERRED TO.
1. Employed or under training in:
— M. F. Total.
(a) Royal Glasgow Asylum for the Blind.* 305 97 402
(b) Other approved institutions for the blind in the Joint Committee's area.† — — 30
*This is the only institution for the blind under the direct control of the Joint Committee of Local Authorities in the West of Scotland.
†The Committee exercises the powers conferred upon them under the Blind Persona Act, 1920, through, these institutions

2. (a) In the Burgh of Glasgow there are: —

37 unemployed persons who have been approved as fit to be trained but have not yet been admitted for training.

16 who failed to appear for medical examination.

92 who have not yet been dealt with.

26 who are unwilling to undergo training, making a total of

171 unemployed blind persons in the Burgh who state that they are capable of employment.

(b) According to the Central Register kept by the Scottish Board of Health there are also in the areas of other local authorities:

11 blind persons who have been passed as fit for training, but are not yet being trained.

57 who are not willing to undergo training and

16 who have not been reported on, making a total of

84 blind persons in these areas who state that they are capable of employment.