HC Deb 17 May 1993 vol 225 c77W
Mr. Boyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what procedure he adopts to alter the eligibility criteria used for processing applications for the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance; and what system is used to ensure that the criteria are regularly reviewed.

Mr. Scott

The eligibility criteria for the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance are set out in legislation. Any changes to these criteria are made through the legislative process.

We review the criteria regularly in the light of information obtained from the management information system and representations received from disability organisations and members of the public.

Mr. Boyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on conditions excluded by the definition of severe mental impairment as a state of arrested development or incomplete physical development of the brain, as used in the processing of applications for the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance.

Mr. Scott

We have received no such representations recently.

Mr. Boyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will alter the eligibility criteria for the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance to include people with a severe mental impairment, other than those who suffer from a state of arrested development or incomplete physical development of the brain from birth.

Mr. Scott

We have no plans to do so.

Mr. Boyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Alzheimer's sufferers have applied for the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance; and how many have been refused.

Mr. Scott

The information is not available.