§ 11. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Health, whether he is aware that the Blind Persons Sub-Committee of the Middlesex County Council has passed a recommendation to reduce their grants to the unemployable blind by 2s. 6d. per week; and whether the Ministry has indicated to local authorities that economy should be exercised in this direction?
The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and, to the second part in the negative. The advice tendered by the Government to local authorities on the question of the reduction of local expenditure is contained in Circular 1222, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MORRISONWill not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to inform the local authorities? It surely ought not to be necessary to ask the unemployable blind to tighten their belts in this crisis?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think the Circular I have already issued to the local authorities deals with the matter as far as it is possible.
§ Mr. MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether his consent will be necessary to a reduction by the Middlesex County Council?