HC Deb 11 July 1972 vol 840 cc1396-7
25. Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the representations to him by blind people at Chichester, he will review the level of recommended provision of welfare officers responsible for blind people living at home and make recommendations to local authorities accordingly.

Mr. Alison

In consultation with the appropriate bodies we are currently reviewing the pattern of social services for the blind, including staffing. We will be giving guidance to local authorities when we have completed the review.

Mr. Orme

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there has been some unevenness in provision since the introduction of the new Act and that as a result many specialist workers have been denied the job they were trained to do? It is important that these workers should be allowed to take up the duties for the blind. Will the Minister see that special training is reintroduced and ensure that the Act is not abused by certain authorities in this regard?

Mr. Alison

We are conscious of and sensitive to the representations which the hon. Member brought out in his supplementary question. The problems have arisen as a result of reorganisation under the Local Authority Social Services Act. We are keeping the matter under close review.

Mr. Alfred Morris

In reply to my earlier Question the Minister gave me no answer on the point of increasing Exchequer support to local authorities so that they can improve their services to the blind, the deaf and the dumb, as well as to others who are permanently and substantially handicapped. Will the Secretary of State attempt to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this deeply important matter?

Mr. Alison

The hon. Member knows that massive increases in Exchequer funds have been made available precisely to this sector, to the extent of 25 per cent. in real terms in the present and the preceding financial years.