§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there are any arrangements for supplying aids for disabled people whose needs cannot be met by the range of aids generally available.
§ Mr. PrenticeBritish industry makes a considerable contribution in the field of aids for disabled people, but I take it that my hon. Friend is not referring to production items. Many engineers and others with skills of similar relevance are members of local groups known as rehabilitation engineering movement advisory panels—REMAP—and give their 303W time and expertise to designing and producing one-off or special aids. Central support for the 80 groups already in existence is provided by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation. Professional staff in the health and social services whose work includes helping disabled people whose needs cannot be met by market products are in touch with the groups, and I am glad to report that this partnership is proving very successful. Information about one-off devices produced by REMAP panels is distributed by the Disabled Living Foundation.