§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set up a national information service on equipment for people with disabilities. [65433]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
The Department is providing funding to the Disabled Living Foundation and the Royal National Institute for the Blind to help them improve their databases on disability equipment and transfer these to the Internet. The Disabled Living Foundation also operates a telephone helpline for disabled people.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has for a disablement services authority with a brief to set standards and monitor the standard of equipment provision for people with disabilities. [65434]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
We have no plans to develop proposals on a disablement services authority at present. However we are examining a range of mechanisms to help ensure consistent access to services and quality of care.