HC Deb 19 July 1934 vol 292 cc1253-4
23. Mr. CAPORN

asked the Minister of Health how many county or county borough councils have applied for permission to contribute towards the support and maintenance of institutions for deaf and dumb persons; and whether he can state the names of such councils, and, in each case, the amount of the proposed subscription, and the action taken by him in connection with such application?

Sir H. YOUNG

Thirty county or county borough councils have applied during the past year for my consent to the payment of subscriptions to missions for the deaf and dumb, and I understand that at least nine other councils are paying annual subscriptions to such missions. I will send my hon. Friend a statement giving the names of the councils and the amounts of the subscriptions, and showing what action has been taken on each application. In those cases in which sanction has not yet been given to the proposed subscriptions, I am making further inquiries, as I am not at present satisfied that the Councils in question have given adequate consideration to the needs of the missions in respect of the placement of deaf and dumb persons in employment.

24. Mr. CAPORN

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that local authorities are making as wide a use of the powers provided under Section 67 (6) of the Poor Law Act, 1930, as is desirable in the public interest; whether he has received adequate response to his Circular No. 1,337, dated 22nd May, 1933; and whether he will consider the desirability of extending the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, to deaf and dumb persons?

Sir H. YOUNG

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. I am, however, taking action with a view to securing closer attention by the local authorities to the suggestions made in the 'Circular mentioned by my hon. Friend, and as at present advised I do not consider that fresh legislation on the lines he suggests is desirable.

Mr. CAPORN

In those cases in which my right hon. Friend has not received any application, will he communicate with the local authority concerned and again draw their attention to the circular?

Sir H. YOUNG

In cases in which 1 am not satisfied as to the adequacy of the action there is further communication.