HC Deb 16 November 1982 vol 32 cc135-6W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he plans to take to improve the early identification of disabled people in the community; what spending has been approved by his Department for such an improvement; and which national or international bodies he has consulted about his plans.

Mr. Rossi

The Government fully accept the importance of identifying disabled people as early as possible. We have asked health authorities, as part of their development of community services, to establish screening programmes for disabilities in young children, and to make adequate arrangements for child health surveillance. It is, however, for the authorities to decide on the details of their programmes in the light of local circumstances and available resources.

In formulating policies for disabled people we take account of the views of interested organisations, and of developments of particular relevance in other countries.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate of the numbers of physically and mentally disabled people residing in the United Kingdom is now used by his Department; how this estimate was reached by his Department; how he intends to keep it up-to-date; and what spending has been approved for this purpose.

Mr. Rossi

No estimate of the total number of physically and mentally disabled people in the United Kingdom is available. Use is made of the information about prevalence given in the 1980 review of mental handicapped services in England "Mental Handicap: Progress, Problems and Priorities", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Some limited studies have been made in the physical and sensory handicap fields but their outcome cannot be aggregated and some are in any case out of date. Work is in hand towards a project to update the information available and place it on a more comprehensive basis.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the degree to which disabled people are involved in the planning of services and benefits provided to the disabled by his Department; how he intends to encourage such involvement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rossi

I place great importance on the views of disabled people, and am satisfied that adequate opportunity is given for their expression through formal consultations and through the close links the Department maintains with organisations of and for disabled people in formulating its policies.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has made any recent comparisons between the status and rights of, or public and private provision for, disabled people in the United Kingdom and overseas; if so, what studies were made and what conclusions were reached by any such body; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rossi

No such studies have been undertaken.