§ 31. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Health how many local authorities run home employment schemes; and how many mentally and physically disabled people are assisted in this way.
§ Mr. SnowPaid home employment is provided for 798 blind people by local authorities under schemes for home workers. No other statistical information is available.
Mr. LnbbockWhy cannot this scheme be extended to the psychiatric patients? Does the Minister realise that that would have an immense therapeutic value? Will he see that local authorities extend it to this group?
§ Mr. SnowYes, Sir, but we must bear in mind that a slight difficulty develops sooner or later over social security benefits to which such patients are entitled. Therefore, we must watch the position rather carefully. There is no objection to this sort of incentive being provided.