§ 18. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to encourage local authorities to meet the needs of the disabled.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:I take every opportunity to draw the attention of local authorities to the needs of disabled people. Last month I sent all authorities copies of a report by the Health Services Research Unit at Kent university on the numbers and needs of disabled people living at home. My officials also maintain close and continuing contact with local authorities in this important field.
§ 52. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to introduce a comprehensive disability scheme with benefit payable irrespective of the cause and duration of the disability.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:We are studying this and other suggested improvements in 571W benefits and services for disabled people. At present, resources are not available for us to go further in introducing new benefits. If extra resources become available we shall have to make firm decisions about our priorities for further help for the disabled.