§ 18. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any scheme for providing contributions to voluntary associations concerned with the welfare of the blind, such as is referred 203 to in Clause 48 of the Local Government (Scotland) Bill, has been or is under discussion; and, if not, whether an undertaking can be given that the welfare of blind persons will not be prejudiced by reason of the provisions of the Bill?
§ Sir J. GILMOURUntil the Local Government (Scotland) Bill becomes law, it would be premature to discuss any scheme under Clause 48 providing for the payment by local authorities of contributions to voluntary associations who carry on services for the benefit of blind persons resident in their areas. I am prepared to give an undertaking that the welfare of blind persons will not be prejudiced by reason of the provisions of the Bill.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give an undertaking that these associations will be able to obtain the same grants from the local authorities that they have received from his Department in the past?
§ Sir J. GILMOURCertain Amendments will be put down dealing with this Clause, and I think we had better discuss them on the Report stage.