§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Health what is the number of blind persons in receipt of old age pensions at the end of 1926, in accordance with the provisions of the Blind Persons Act, 1920?
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§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLI have been asked to reply. The number of persons in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in receipt of pensions under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, on the last Friday in December, 1926, was 18,446.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister a Health if he will state the total number of blind persons in England and Wales on 31st December, 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe last return of blind persons registered in England and Wales was made on the 31st March, 1925, and showed a total of 42,140. A further return will be asked for on the 31st March next.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Health the total expenditure upon welfare schemes for the blind during 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINFigures are not available for the calendar year 1926. In the financial year ended 31st March, 1926, Government Grants-in-Aid of the welfare of the blind amounted to £103,994. The expenditure of local authorities was approximately £136,000. The income from voluntary sources of the voluntary agencies for the blind which are assisted by Government Grant was £420,403.