§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a comprehensive list of all aids and appliances available to the physically handicapped which are wholly or partially financed by public funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiIt is not practicable to produce such a list. This is because, in addition to the aids, appliances and wheelchairs supplied by the Department, consultants in the NHS are free to prescribe any equipment which they consider necessary as part of a patient's treatment, while social services departments are under a duty to provide any aids and equipment which they consider necessary to providing a disabled person with practical assistance in the home in securing his greater safety, comfort or convenience.
The Department already issues to health authorities a list of surgical footwear and appliances, and a price list of walking aids, for which central contracts have been placed. Appliances which may be prescribed by general practitioners are listed in the drug tariff. We also publish a catalogue of wheelchairs supplied through ALACS.
The Disabled Living Foundation, with substantial financial assistance from the Department, also publishes information sheets giving details of several thousand aids. I am arranging for copies of all this material to be placed in the Library.