HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc1605-6
20. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Health what is the present composition of his Advisory Council for the Welfare of Handicapped Persons; and whether he is satisfied that adequate representation is given to Welsh interests.

70. Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Minister of Health whether he will publish the names of those representing Welsh interests on his Advisory Council for the Welfare of Handicapped Persons; when this council last met; how many times it has met since 1st January, 1951; and what recommendations it has made in so far as handicapped persons in Wales are particularly concerned.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Blenkinsop)

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the present composition of the Advisory Council. I am satisfied that there is adequate representation of Welsh interests. The Council has met once this year on 1st March. The advice which my right hon. Friend received from it relates to the welfare of handicapped persons throughout England and Wales and has not been framed on a geographical basis.

Following are the names: Edward Evans, Esq., C.B.E., M.P. (Chairman); Fraser Brockington, Esq., M.A., M.D., D.P.H.; Alderman Mrs. Kathleen Chambers, J.P.; J. Rhaiadr Jones, Esq.; K. P. McDougall, Esq.; Councillor R. Malcolm; Councillor Miss May O'Conor; Sir Geoffrey Peto, K.B.E.; Alderman Mrs. L' Estrange Malone, M.A., J.P.; Godfrey Robinson, Esq. M.C.; T. H. Smith, Esq.; J. D. Spillane, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.P.; Alderman Mrs. G. Tebbutt; H. Willard, Esq.
21 and 22. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he has yet considered the recommendations of his Advisory Council for the Welfare of Handicapped Persons; and whether he proposes to publish these recommendations, in view of the concern of local authorities in regard to their obligations under the National Assistance Act;

(2) whether he proposes to issue directions to local authorities in respect of the welfare clauses of the National Assistance Act. in regard to disabilities other than blindness.

Mr. Blenkinsop

My right hon. Friend will be issuing a circular to local authorities on the provision of welfare services for handicapped persons other than the blind, based on the recommendations he has received from his Advisory Council, in the course of the next few weeks.

Mr. Thomas

Is my hon. Friend aware that his reply will be received with pleasure, because local authorities are very much concerned about how they should act on this questions?

Mr. Blenkinsop

I am aware that they are anxious to put some of these proposals into force.