§ 81. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing tendency among local authorities to advertise for home teachers of the blind, restricting the applications to sighted females, thus debarring properly-qualified blind home teachers, holding the necessary diplomas, from being considered for these appointments; and whether he will call the attention of local authorities to the need for enlarging the field of selection so as to include blind home teachers who are trained and qualified.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware that when advertising for home teachers local authorities sometimes limit applications to sighted persons. I have from time to time drawn the attention of authorities to the desirability of their giving consideration to the employment of blind persons as home teachers where they possess the necessary qualifications and are otherwise suitable, and I do not think further action by me is required.