§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress in establishing residential units for deaf-blind young people at Poolemead and Peterborough.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI have approved the payment of a grant to the Royal 575W National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) towards the cost of the development at Poolemead and to the National Deaf Blind Helpers' League towards the cost of the conversion of premises purchased by them at Market Deeping, near Peterborough. I am advised that both projects are progressing satisfactorily.
The RNID's detailed consideration of plans for Poolemead are well advanced, but they have not yet been finally costed. This deaf-blind unit is for 12 young adults. It will make use of an occupational centre and of facilities available in a larger residential unit for deaf people which is also being built on the same site. The centre will also benefit from the close proximity of an adult training centre.
The adaptations at Market Deeping, partly financed by a grant of £40,000 from my Department, are expected to be completed by the autumn and residents admitted by the end of the year. This unit will accommodate up to 14 young adults and the intention is that it will provide assessment and training programmes.