§ 50. Sir JOHN TRAINasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any and, if so, which local authorities in 2934 Scotland under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, have not yet made arrangements for the provision of domiciliary allowances to necessitous blind persons; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)Yes, Sir. The local authorities concerned are the county councils of Dumfries, Kincardine, Orkney and Shetland. The Department of Health are urging these local authorities to submit schemes for their approval at the earliest possible date.
§ Sir J. TRAINCan the Under-Secretary of State say whether it is the intention of the Minister to insist upon a uniform rate for these allowances?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEEfforts are being made to secure a greater degree of uniformity. I am aware that there is a wide difference between the allowances at present granted.
§ Mr. GUYWill my hon. and gallant Friend endeavour to persuade the local authorities to adopt a uniform minimum of 27s. 6d. per week as recommended at the meeting in Edinburgh?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir, I cannot undertake to accept a particular rate, but, as I said in my earlier answer, efforts are being made to get a greater degree of uniformity in the allowances at the present time.
§ Mr. MESSERIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 27s. 6d. per week is working very effectively in the county of Middlesex?