§ 18. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is being undertaken by his Department into the need for, and the provision by local authorities of, physical aids, television sets, telephones and talking books for persons who are registered as physically handicapped.
§ Mr. AlisonThere are several research projects financed by my Department which are relevant to these needs. Statistical information about the provision made to meet them will become available in the summer of 1973.
§ 40. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what work is being done on the design and evaluation of aids for the disabled; what steps are being taken to improve assessment of the technical needs for the disabled; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Member to the first report published on 8th December, 1971, under Section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, HC 30, 1971–72. I expect the second report to be available shortly.
§ 43. Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that enough money is being made available through the rate support grant in response to requests from local authorities to meet the needs for help revealed by surveys to identify handicapped persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe forecasts of relevant expenditure attracting rate support grant in 1971–72 and 1972–73 provided for increased spending on services for the handicapped. Local authorities' views on further expenditure will be taken into account in the negotiations on grant for 1973–74 which are to take place later this year.