§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to provide more up-to-date environmental control equipment for use by very severely disabled people.
§ Mr. NewtonWe are concerned to supply equipment to the very severely disabled which will take advantage of the latest developments, and I have asked the Department to prepare a minimum performance requirement for a 367W versatile environmental control with an integral communication facility. It is envisaged that it will be capable of connection to additional equipment which might be supplied by the appropriate agencies for users seeking opportunities in education or employment. Invitations to tender for the development of this equipment will be issued towards the end of this year. Tenderers will be asked to submit proposals for exploiting the most up-to-date technology in this field.