§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what improvements have taken place in rehabilitation provided by his Department for the newly-blind to allow them to improve their work prospects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Manpower Services Commission, which has responsibility in these matters, provides financial and administrative support to the Society for the Welfare and Teaching of the Blind in Scotland in respect of the rehabilitation facilities which the 281W society provides for the blind and partially sighted at its Centre at Alwyn House, Ceres, Fife. Over the past two years a number of improvements have been made at the Centre, with assistance from the Manpower Services Commission, including substantial structural alterations, the provision of new engineering and assembly facilities, and the installation of special equipment for the blind and partially sighted; and there is close co-operation between the Manpower Services Commission and the society to ensure that provison at the Centre keeps pace with developments in rehabilitation methods elsewhere.