HC Deb 23 November 1937 vol 329 c1066W
Mr. Pilkington

asked the Minister of Health how many deal and dumb people there are in the United Kingdom; and whether consideration could be given to putting them on the same footing as the blind as regards State benefits?

Mr. Bernays

The number of deaf and dumb persons in the United Kingdom has been estimated at about 40,000 but no accurate figures are available. The suggestion in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question has been considered but for the reasons contained in the exhaustive report of the late Dr. Lichholz, published in 1932, my right hon. Friend is not satisfied of the necessity of the legislation which would be required to give effect to it.