HC Deb 08 July 1968 vol 768 cc28-9W
Mr. Younger

asked the Minister of Health what is the average time taken at present for a person to be certified as blind, after the date of application for such a certificate.

Mr. K. Robinson

This information is not available, but I or my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will gladly investigate any individual case of delay known to the hon. Member.

Mr. Younger

asked the Minister of Health whether he will revise the regulations under which persons are certified as blind, to allow examinations to be made by local medical specialists, providing they are approved by him, in order to cut out the delays involved in waiting for appointments with the small number of appointed medical experts who now conduct these examinations.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am advised that the present arrangements are in the best interests of the blind.