§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to local authorities concerning their responsibilities towards the hearing-impaired; if he will recommend that each local authority department should select one named individual to hold specific responsibility for the hearing-impaired in order to improve interdepartmental cooperation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe Consultative Document on Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services identified a need for the development of social service provision for deaf people. Many local authorities already have a specialist officer working with the hearing-impaired. Moreover, the Advisory Committee on Services for Hearing-Impaired People are at present considering the contribution that social services can make in the care of deaf people of all ages. I am sure my hon. Friend's suggestion is one they will consider and that their recommendations will emphasise the need for a greater degree of co-ordination of effort.