§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts are made by each section of the armed forces to employ service men who have been blinded whilst serving in the forces; what new technologies are being used to allow such blind persons to remain in the forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeUnfortunately, blind personnel cannot be retained in the services because they cannot perform an adequate range of military duties to an acceptable standard. I do not think that the use of new technologies is able at present to change this situation significantly. However, wherever possible, servicemen who are blinded in one eye, and still retain useful vision in the other eye, are offered the opportunity to continue their service provided they are, or can be, employed in a trade where their standard of eyesight is acceptable.
Anyone invalided due to blindness that was attributable to service in the armed forces would, of course, be eligible to receive a disability pension from the Department of Health and Social Security as well as an occupational pension from my Department. he would also be given considerable assistance with resettlement into civilian life.