§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what are the present criteria for the provision of telephones for handicapped people in Northern Ireland by area boards; what plans he has to amend these criteria; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the present criteria for the payment of telephone rental for handicapped people in Northern Ireland 149W by area boards; what plans he has to amend these criteria; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarterThe present criteria applied by Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland for assisting handicapped persons with the cost of installing or renting a telephone are as follows: (i) the applicant either lives alone or with another person who is aged or handicapped; (ii) the applicant suffers from a disability which is likely to be permanent; (iii) in the event of a medical or social emergency the applicant would be unable to obtain immediate help without recourse to a telephone; (iv) the applicant is physically and mentally capable of using a telephone (adapted if necessary); (v) the applicant is unable in normal weather to leave the house without the help of another person; (vi) the applicant cannot reasonably afford to pay installation and/
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A. VOLUNTARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Name Number of department nominees Number of others Representation* Armagh: Christian Brothers School … — 11 Royal School … 8 3 Church of Ireland 3 Presbyterian 1 Methodist 7 St Patrick's College … 5 11 Ballymena Academy … 7 5 Representing the subscribers 3 Ballymena Presbytery 3 Diocesan Council 3 Ballymena Borough Council Ballymena: St Louis Grammar … 3 7 Dalriada School … 2 3 North-Eastern Education and Library Board 10 Ballynahinch: Assumption Grammar School … 4 8 Bangor Grammar … 7 14 Belfast: Ashleigh House School … 5 1 Old Ashleigh Association 10 Bloomfield Collegiate … 5 10 Campbell College … — 15 Christian Brothers Grammar School … 5 10 Dominican College … — 7 High School … 6 13 Methodist College … 9 16 Conference of Methodist Church Princess Gardens School … 6 12 Richmond Lodge School … 6 6 Life members 1 Queen's University 1 Arellian Association 1 Teaching staff 1 Parents Association 1 Royal Academical Institution … — 27 Royal Academy … 7 17 or rental costs and in the circumstances pertaining it is unreasonable to expect relatives to do so.
New guidance is about to be issued, and my noble Friend the Minister of State will write to the hon. Member informing him when this is done.