§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many (a) local authorities and (b) health authorities employ interpreters for the deaf; and if he considers the present provision to be adequate.
§ Mr. NewtonWe are not aware of any local authority or health authority which employs staff solely to act as interpreters for deaf people. However, most local authorities employ staff with interpreting skills and as part of their wider responsibilities nearly all social services departments are able to provide an interpreter service for the deaf, either direct or through an agency. Provision generally needs to be improved and in this connection the Department is providing grant aid to organisations such as the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People.