§ Mr. Craigasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the effect of the work-to-rule action by social services drivers; in particular, how many elderly and handicapped people are prevented from attending day and craft centres; what is the estimated wastage of services provided for the elderly and handicapped caused by non-attendance; and why, in East Belfast and Castlereagh, unlike some other districts, other means of transport have not been provided.
§ Mr. Carter, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 16th March 1978], gave the following information:
The number of persons prevented from attending day and craft centres as a result of the work to rule by some social services drivers in the Belfast area is as follows:
North and West Belfast … 66 East Belfast and Castlereagh … 86 South Belfast … 12 TOTAL … 164 This represents an estimated 3 per cent of all persons requiring transport. My noble Friend the Minister of State has asked the Eastern Health and Social Services Board to re-examine urgently the provision of alternative means of transport in the East Belfast and Castlereagh District.