HC Deb 11 December 1928 vol 223 cc1887-8
21. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any request from the West of Scotland Committee for the welfare of the blind for permission to spend added sums for the treatment of the blind; the nature of such request; and what has been the answer?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I assume that the hon. Member's question has reference to recent proposals by the Glasgow and South West of Scotland Joint Committee for the administration of the Blind persons Act to establish a central clinic for the medical certifications of blind persons and to institute a scheme of allowances to blind persons who are unemployable. The Scottish Board of Health have approved the proposal to establish a central clinic. They have also indicated to the Joint Committee that they will be prepared to approve any scheme of allowance on reasonable lines that the Joint Committee may submit, but that no State grant will be available towards the cost of such a scheme.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to consider a State grant for this very laudable service?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The whole matter will, of course, come under review in the reform of local government, with which we are now dealing.

Mr. MACLEAN

Since the Secretary of State's Department has approved of this particular object, does he not think that approval ought to carry with it some form of State grant?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Not necessarily.