Disabled People: Dementia

Lord Bishop of Chester Excerpts

Monday 11th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, my noble friend has hit on an extremely sensitive and important area. My answer to her is similar to the one I gave on a previous question: we must focus on outcomes. That is the main theme of the recently published implementation paper. This morning, I was speaking to a representative of the King’s Fund, which has done tremendous work in this area. This is one aspect of its work, of which I am sure we shall be hearing more.

[The Lord Bishop of Chester]

My Lords, what policy do the Government have for supporting the learning of British sign language?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the right reverend Prelate rightly calls attention to the needs of those with aural disability. The Government’s plans for audiology are in gestation at the moment. Unfortunately, it is too early for me to tell him, but I shall aim to write him a letter at the earliest opportunity.