HC Deb 29 November 1984 vol 68 c575W
Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when his Department last had consultations with organisations acting for blind people about a blindness allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

I last met a delegation representing the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind and the National League of the Blind and Disabled on 13 November. My right hon. Friend and I previously met these organisations in January, and there was a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department in May. On the question of the introduction of a blindness allowance, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, West (Mr. Butterfill) on 22 October at column514.