Mr Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions she has had with interested organisations concerning the establishment of an institute of hearing research, following the report of her Department's inquiry, pursuant to Section 24 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI have had no discussions.
Section 24 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 called for the collation and presentation by my Department of evidence to the Medical Research Council on the need for an institute for 334W hearing research. My predecessor, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph), announced on 25th May 1973 that the council had concluded, on all the evidence presented to it, that the establishment of an institute as a physical entity would not be the most effective means of developing research in hearing. The council recommended instead the establishment of an overall mechanism for co-ordinating research at various centres.
Working parties of the Medical Research Council, on which my Department is represented, are currently studying clinical and epidemiological features of sensorineural deafness and the research aspects of social and rehabilitation needs of the deaf; and the question of co-ordination of research will be examined with the help of their reports. I am myself taking a close personal interest in developments.