HC Deb 18 November 1987 vol 122 cc574-5W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many renal patients there are in the West Midlands regional health authority, and in the North Staffordshire district health authority; and, in each case, how many of these currently qualify for supplementary benefit and are in receipt of a heating, diet and bathing allowance, how many are in receipt of mobility allowance and how many in receipt of an attendance allowance.

Mr. Scott

As at 31 December 1986, there were 1,209 patients in the west midlands region receiving some form of renal therapy. Information on the number in the North Staffordshire district is not held centrally, and the hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of North Staffordshire health authority for this information. The remainder of the information requested is available. However, those renal patients who dialyse at home or in self-care hospital units are deemed to satisfy the medical conditions for entitlement to attendance allowance at the lower rate.

Mr. Heddle

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Staffordshire of 21 October,Official Report, column 802, he will indicate when the discussions now urgently proceeding between British Telecom and the Government Departments concerned on the future of the telephone exchange system for the deaf will be concluded; and on what date he anticipates making a further announcement.

Mr. Scott

The latest position was set out in my reply to the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) and the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 9 November at columns95–96. I shall make an announcement as soon as a decision has been reached.