HC Deb 02 December 1969 vol 792 cc1273-4
11. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to grant a tax-free allowance to blind owners of guide dogs.

Mr. William Rodgers

I am afraid that my right hon. Friend could not adopt the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. Pardoe

I cannot say that I am grateful for that unhelpful reply. Will the hon. Gentleman take into account that purchase tax on dog foods has put many blind people in difficulty, and, further, will he give particular attention to the problem of the blind person who has a dog which is too old to carry on doing the job and who, therefore, faces the question whether to destroy the dog and buy a new one, since he cannot possibly afford to keep two dogs?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. Gentleman raises some interesting questions. We are sympathetic towards the broad object which he has in mind, but we have to bear in mind the position of other handicapped people and those blind persons who may not be able to have a dog.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

My hon. Friend says that he cannot accept what is suggested. Will he give the reason and deal with the question of cost? These people have blind persons' pension books. Could there not be a simple system allowing them the cost of what is involved, or a reduction, or, on the other hand, an increase in pension? It should be simple to operate, and it could not cost much.

Mr. Rodgers

I did not say that it was impossible to operate, although there are problems. I said that we have to consider the problems of other handicapped people who have special needs of their own and also those blind people who do not have dogs. We do not wish to discriminate in that way, although we are very sympathetic towards the broad object which hon. Members have in mind.