§ 21. Mr. MAGNAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent increase in the numbers of registered blind persons in England and Wales; and whether he can make any statement as to the reasons for this increase?
§ Mr. E. BROWNYes, Sir. There has ben a continuous increase in these numbers, but my right hon. Friend is advised that this is probably due to more complete registration and does not necessarily indicate any actual increase in the number of blind persons. Many persons who have been blind for some time, but were previously unaware of the services provided under the Blind Persons Act, have been led to seek registration in order to obtain the benefits available under that Act.