§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider making it mandatory for local authorities all to apply the same rules which in 492W certain cases would permit a blind person to have a free telephone; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThis would require new legislation which my center hon. Friend the Secretary of State cannot undertake to introduce. Under existing legislation it is the duty of a local authority to determine needs on the basis of an individual assessment. As regards the legal effect of Section 2(1)(h) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act which concerns the provision of telephones, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Aberdare (Mr. Evans) on 25th May.—[Vol. 912, c. 258–9.]
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom regarding free telephone installations and rental for all blind persons; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisNone, other than a copy of a letter from the Blackpool and Fylde Branch of the National Federation which, I understand, has been addressed to all Members of Parliament. On the general question of the principles governing provision of telephones by local authorities to disabled people, including blind people, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdare (Mr. Evans) on 25th May.—[Vol. 912, c. 258–9.]