Orders of the Day — Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 11:18 am on 18 November 1983.

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Photo of Martin Smyth Martin Smyth , Belfast South 11:18, 18 November 1983

I appreciate that advance. I understand the reasons for the non-admission of guide dogs. I know some churches which do not admit guide dogs. However, I have had the privilege on several occasions of having as many as three guide dogs in my congregation. I suspect that Mr. Speaker would be happy to have one of them here, because, if my sermon goes on for too long, it sighs. It would be useful here to draw attention to the lengthy speeches of some hon. Members.

I also remind the House that the concessions for the blind, limited though they be, are only for those who are working. I have in mind tax concessions, for example. The majority of the blind are over 60 years of age and unemployed. They are not taxpayers in any event.

I spoke earlier of the work of William Wilberforce. We are engaged in a similar fight to free the disabled from the unnecessary shackles that an unenlightened society places upon them. In many ways, our fight is against the ingrained forces of self-interest and powerful lobbies. In his day those same forces opposed Wilberforce. Quite often it is prejudice which delays the proper treatment of the disabled.

The House gave a Second Reading to the Video Recordings Bill. I believe that it should give similar support to this Bill. Many people make improper use of video recorders and are in need of correction. I remind the hon. Member for Brent, North (Dr. Boyson) that the law, theologically, is described as a schoolmaster, and I believe that a change in our law is fundamentally necessary to move forward in the educative process which will change the direction of people in their treatment of the disabled.

I plead with right hon. and hon. Members to give a Second Reading to the Bill so that the problems that some people foresee can be thrashed out in Committee. It will be at least part of the process in the overall changing of the nation's attitude. Those who blithely denounce the Bill because of the cost involved, real or imagined, and the threats of legal wrangles over interpretations may themselves be only a small step away from Hitler's concept of a master race.

A truly compassionate society will have compassion for those who have needs and a visionary House and society will prepare for the day when they and others may need the protection of such a Bill. At present it may not affect them. Millions of people in society believe that they are normal and healthy and that they have no problems. They cannot understand why disabled people want to go where they cannot go and seek employment where they cannot work. The day may come, however, when those healthy people will join the ranks of the disabled and will be crying out, "Why did not the House of Commons do something about this before?" It is important that we do just that.

I put on record the plea of a constituent of my right hon. Friend the Member for Lagan Valley (Mr. Molyneaux).

She wrote as follows: Certainly progress towards the integration of disabled people has been made over the last few years and some will argue that anti discrimination legislation will harm the goodwill that exists towards us. But why should people be upset with legislation if they are doing the right thing anyway and proved to be doing so? It would surely strengthen the position of those wanting to change the present situation where disabled people at the mercy of an individual's whim, who may dictate where we can and cannot go in a fashion that they would simply not accept themselves. For this reason most severely disabled people and their organisations welcome the prospect of anti discrimination legislation. There is enough evidence to support the need for legislation. I shall not speak any longer and risk impeding other hon. Members who wish to participate. I conclude by asking the House to support the Second Reading of the Bill so that it can be argued through in Committee. I do not believe that we should throw the Bill out today rather than have the trauma of a Standing Committee followed by the disappointment of defeat due to the legislative timetable. I believe that examination of the Bill in Committee is vital to help us all to understand what will be necessary in the long run for the advancement of our society.