§ Lord McCollof Dulwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements are to be made to give advice on disablement services after the disbanding of the Disablement Services Authority on 31st March.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)I am glad to be able to pay tribute both personally and on behalf of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health to the performance of the Disablement Services Authority, which has, in the three years of its existence, amply fulfilled its remit to manage the artificial limb and wheelchair services formerly provided by the Department of Health and integrate them into the National Health Service. It has also done much to raise the quality of these services and to encourage the development of rehabilitation services generally. We are extremely grateful to Lord Holderness, other members of the authority, and their staff for these very considerable achievements.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health has decided to appoint an advisory group on rehabilitation, including the disablement services transferring to the National Health Service. The group will have a small but broadly based membership. I am glad to say that the chairman of the authority, Lord Holderness, has agreed to be the first chairman. The names of other members will be announced in due course.