HC Deb 28 February 1957 vol 565 cc1372-3
10. Mr Willey

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to increase the maximum limit of the grant made by his Department towards the cost of the provision of employment facilities for approved blind workers.

Mr. Carr

I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Member that the annual maximum grant to local authorities for this purpose will be increased from £100 to £150 per worker from 1st April, 1957, in view of the increase in costs.

Mr. Wiley

While thanking the hon. Gentleman very much for the statement that he has made, may I ask him whether this grant will adjust the proportion of the contributions of the local authorities and of the Ministry to their earlier relationship?

Mr. Carr

I cannot, without notice, answer that question in detail. The last increase was only three years ago, and I think that a 50 per cent. increase must be one more than in line with increases in costs generally.