§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Prime Minister if she will consider setting up a central authority to evaluate and distribute all technical aids to the disabled which is independent of individual Government Departments.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not consider that such a change would be helpful in terms of distribution arrangements. So far as evaluation of aids is concerned I understand that discussions have been going on for some time within the voluntary sector to examine the possibility of setting up a handicap institute modelled on the Swedish Institute. No definite proposals have yet emerged. If such a body were established and wished to evaluate aids, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services would consider providing financial support.