42. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Minister of Transport whether he will endeavour to make arrangements with all public transport organisations that a blind man's guide dog, accompanying a blind man, shall be carried free of charge?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn view of the multiplicity of transport organisations in the country, I do not see how I could practicably make such arrangements.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENIs my right hon. Friend aware that the railway companies take a human guide free and charge for a dog, and does he think that is a right procedure?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI hesitate to express opinions on matters outside my control. I am asked to make arrangements with many thousands of transport undertakings, but I do not see how I can practically interfere here.
§ Mr. JAGGERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of supplying one of these blind men's guide dogs to the Cabinet?
56. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a centre exists at New Brighton for the training of guide dogs for the blind; and whether he is prepared to assist in the provision of these dogs for blind ex-service men?
§ Sir JAMES BLINDELL (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the Ministry have no fund out of which such assistance could be given. It may be pointed out, however, that a special weekly allowance, in addition to pension, is provided by the Ministry for all cases of total blindness needing constant attendance. Having regard to present day conditions of road traffic, this is considered to be the more suitable form in which assistance in such cases should be given.