§ Mr. Will Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the coverage of his Department's publicity to informing the chronic sick and disabled of their entitlements in the form of physical aids and financial assistance; and what form such publicity takes;
(2) what advice he has given to local authorities to ensure that they publicise 365W the physical and financial aids available to patients in their care, who are chronically sick or disabled.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyIt is the responsibility of each local authority concerned to ensure that people needing physical aids are informed of what is provided in their area, and I have no reason to suppose that authorities need guidance from my right hon. Friend at present. As regards financial assistance, for the chronic sick and disabled, as well as others entitled to benefit, the Department uses posters, leaflets, broadcasts and other means of communication to explain what can be provided and to encourage people to claim. These are aimed not only at potential claimants themselves but also, through handbooks and other means, at social workers, medical practitioners, and others who may be in a position to advise those who are entitled to financial help. In these ways the Department does all it possibly can, but it is always prepared to consider suggestions for improvements.