HC Deb 21 October 1971 vol 823 cc193-4W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has now taken to implement the provisions of Section 1 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970; what arrangements his Department will be taking to review progress in the implementation of these provisions in the localities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 19th October. My right hon. Friend will be writing to local authorities about submission of reports on progress.—[Vol. 823, c. 96.]

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) on what date he will be reporting to each House of Parliament under the provisions of Section 17(2) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970;

(2) on what date he will be reporting to each House of Parliament under the provisions of Section 18(3) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, and I, laid statements as required by these provisions in relation to England and Wales on 4th August, 1971.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date the first annual progress report required by Section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, will be presented to Parliament.

Mr. Alison

In my reply to the hon. Member on 23rd February, I said that the first report would be available by the end of 1971. This is still the position though the actual date of presentation remains to be decided.—[Vol. 812, c.69.]

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action has so far bean taken on the need for an Institute of Hearing Research, with the functions of co-ordinating and promoting research on hearing and assistance to the deaf and hard of hearing, as envisaged by Section 24 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; arid if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

The collection of evidence has been completed and is now being reviewed within the Department and a draft report is being prepared. This will have to be discussed with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Education and Science, Scotland and Wales. My right hon. Friend hopes to present the report, based on discussion and collected evidence, to the Medical Research Council early in 1972. Meanwhile, we are considering action to be taken to improve the services for the deaf.