HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc199-200
Q2. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek powers to establish a joint unpaid committee of medical doctors, technologists, industrialists and recognised representatives of the disabled or handicapped to consider the best and quickest application of technology for each disability or handicap, to give a measure of relief and independence to such people; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

I agree with my hon. Friend on the importance of applying technology for the benefit of the disabled and handicapped. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services already has advice from a wide range of expert organisations in this field.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of technologists feel that much more could be done for disabled people and are willing to give their services as their contribution to the social services? Would it not be wise to accept them and let them work in an equal capacity for the disabled with medical people, other specialist technologists and the disabled themselves?

The Prime Minister

I agree with the objective but I am not sure that a committee is the right way to deal with this. There are so many different problems to investigate. For example, at Stoke Mandeville a tremendous amount has been done, partly on a remunerated basis and partly voluntary, using modern technology. My hon. Friend will also be aware of the Biochemical Research and Development Unit at Roehampton and the Scientific and Technical Branch of the Department of Health and Social Security. A great deal is going on in this field and it is better co-ordinated by the Department itself, particularly as it receives all sorts of representations on all these problems from disabled persons' organisations.

Mr. Heath

Is the Prime Minister aware that, in addition to the points made by the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones), the British Medical Association in a recent report drew attention to the standard of aids provided for the disabled at the moment and the lack of technological progress as well as to its administration and the shortage of detailed statistical information? What is being done about these three points made by the B.M.A.?

The Prime Minister

That supplementary question would be better addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who is a Member of this House. I should like to look into the question of statistical information which the right hon. Gentleman has raised to see whether more information—of which there is a great deal—can-not be made available. One of the subjects covered in the report was artificial and powered limbs. There are two advisory committees here which are giving valuable guidance on the application of technology to the problems of limbless persons. At Aldermaston, I believe it is, a great deal of technological work is also going on for helping thalidomide babies.