§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that certain local authorities in England and Wales are granting financial assistance to unemployable blind people varying from 5s. to 27s. 6d. per week; whether he is aware that this lays undue obligations upon highly-rated areas; and whether, under the circumstances, he will consider making the grant to the unemployable blind a national charge instead of a local one?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am aware that a number of local authorities grant financial assistance to unemployable blind persons, but this class of the blind is also materially assisted by the payment of old age pensions at the age of 50, the whole cost of which is borne by the National Exchequer. I am awaiting the receipt of a report on the subject of the unemployable blind from the Advisory Committee on the Welfare of the Blind, before considering whether further action is called for.