§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evaluation has been made by his Department of the phonetype system of communication which enables deaf persons to communicate with each other using the medium of the telephone system, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Willesden, West; and if he will advise local authority social services 68W departments on the criteria by which judgment should be made for the free supply to disabled persons.
§ Mr. AlisonMy Department is well aware of this device but has not yet been able to undertake a technical evaluation. A research study is proceeding on the comparative merits of various communication systems for the deaf, and until it is completed it would be premature for me to try to advise local authorities on criteria by which they could assess the need for the phonetype or any similar system.