HC Deb 25 July 1944 vol 402 cc594-5
64. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Health if he can state the number of blind persons there are in the United Kingdom; how many are fully employed; and, if they are, what reports he receives as to the degree of satisfaction given by them at the places, of employment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)

At 31st March, 1943, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of registered blind persons in the United Kingdom was about 90,000. About 10,000 were employed or working on their own account, but some of these (perhaps 1,000) were part-time workers only. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service that the reports on blind persons engaged in ordinary industry are very satisfactory.