§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what improvements have taken place in rehabilitation provided by his Department for the newly-blind to allow them to improve their work prospects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenRehabilitation and training of the small number of newly-blind referred to the Departments of Manpower Services and Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland each year is undertaken by the Royal National Institute for the Blind in Great Britain. Social rehabilitation is provided by area health and social services boards, whose workshops and day centres provide craft skills and work activities.
Training in industrial processes is available through the Government training centre, Felden, Belfast, and there is a full range of aids to employment to improve work prospects.