§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people identified as being deaf and blind have additional disabilities; and if he will list the resources and special facilities provided to meet their needs;
(2) how many deaf and blind children there are of school age.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation is not centrally available in the form requested. However, the Department's publication "Registered Blind and Partially Sighted Persons at 31 March 1982 (England)" contains information, by age band, on people registered blind with additional handicap, including hearing impairments. A copy is in the Library.
The provision of services for disabled people is primarily a responsibility of health and local authorities. The Department does not routinely collect specific information about resources and facilities provided for particular client groups such as those who are deaf-blind.
The work of voluntary organisations with deaf-blind people is of particular importance, and last year the Department gave grants totalling £35,754 towards voluntary activities in this field.