HC Deb 10 December 1974 vol 883 cc80-1W
22. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she plans to encourage the improvement of local services for sick and disabled people.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Local authorities and health authorities are already well aware of my desire to see improvement. I intend to maintain a dialogue with health and local authorities and also the voluntary bodies to ensure that the best possible use is made of available resources.

23. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will draw the attention of voluntary organisations working for the disabled to guidebooks such as "Bromley for the Disabled" published by the Bromley Association for the Handicapped and the Bromley Council of Social Service, which provides comprehensive information on the facilities for disabled people in a wide range of public premises including shops, cinemas, restaurants and banks; and whether her Department would be prepared to give financial assistance to those voluntary bodies publishing such reference books for the use of the disabled in their respective areas.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Some 50 local guides of this kind are already listed in "Holidays for the Physically Handicapped", published by the Central Council for the Disabled. I understand that the central council would be willing to add "Bromley for the Disabled" to the list in the next edition. Local authorities have powers to make grants to voluntary bodies within their areas and it is accordingly not the policy of my Department to make grants to local organisations.

29. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she has received the proposals of the Disability Alliance concerning her proposals for the disabled; and what reply she has made.

Mr. Alfred Morris

My right hon. Friend has seen the Disability Alliance's letter to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and his reply, of 18th November, in which he explained the Government's progress and developing policies in this field; I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of that reply. My right hon. Friend has also seen the note which the Disability Alliance has distributed to members of the Standing Committee on the Social Security Benefits Bill.