§ 11.15 a.m.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI beg to move, in page 4, line 31, at the end, to add:
Provided that paragraph (b) of this Subsection shall not have effect in relation to a householder who is a blind person or the husband or wife of a blind personThe object of this Amendment is to secure that the Board, in granting assistance to a blind householder, shall not assume, as in the case of a sighted householder, that any contribution has been made by earning non-dependants. This is a concession to the blind which was first included in the Determination of Needs 677 Act, 1943, but in that case it was an optional provision. We are now making it obligatory on the Board not to assume any contribution where the applicant is a blind householder. It is a provision which, I think, will be appreciated by hon. Members.
§ Mr. Edward Evans (Lowestoft)May I say how much this concession will be welcomed not only by blind persons, but by all those who have been agitating for this provision during the proceedings on this Bill? This is a matter which has given considerable anxiety, and we much appreciate what the Minister has done.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.