§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the services provided by local authorities for the deaf-blind; if he will discuss with local authorities the creation of a specialist service for the deaf-blind administered at regional level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI fully share my hon. Friend's view that a great deal more needs to be done to improve services for the deaf-blind; and I am anxious that the statutory agencies should make progress in any way possible in the present economic situation. The specialist services needed will depend not only upon local authority and health provision, but also upon help given by the voluntary organisations concerned, principally the Royal National Institute for the Blind,40W seek powers to require those found guilty of making false social security claims to give one pint of blood every six months for a period of two years.
§ Mr. OrmeNo. The voluntary donation of blood is the principle upon which the National Transfusion Service has been based, and it is a principle which we would not wish to change.