§ Mr. Ian Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what number of telephone installations has been granted for the housebound in Scotland and in Dunbartonshire, respectively.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Supplementary Benefits Commission has made available three telephones in Scotland and one in Dunbartonshire. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that information about numbers of telephones provided in Scotland by local authorities is not available centrally. Dunbarton County Council has provided for the installation of five telephones for handicapped people.
§ Mr. Ian Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now re-examine the criteria set down for the granting of telephones to the disabled; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanI assume the hon. Member has in mind the criteria laid down by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The commission uses its discretionary powers to provide extra help with the68W cost of a telephone only in a small number of special cases where it would be the only means of communication in an emergency. In view of the powers of local authorities it would not be appropriate to invite the commission to take on additional responsibilities in this field.