§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement about the progress made in social work support for newly deafened and hard-of-hearing people, and in the provision of such support including lipreading classes and local deaf and hardof-hearing clubs in conjunction with voluntary bodies and area health authorities.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI know that social workers are increasingly aware of the special needs of people with acquired deafness and partial hearing. Lip-reading tuition is provided by local education authorities, by some social services departments, by health authorities and by voluntary organisations. The hon. Gentleman may also like to know that my Advisory Committee on Services for Hearing Impaired People is at present considering the part to be played by social services in the support of hearing impaired people of all ages.