§ 46. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance in how many cases of sickness, applications for constant attendance allowance were refused by his Department, between January, 1960, and the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe point does not arise since constant attendance allowance cannot be paid except as a supplement to the basic pension for loss of faculty under the War Pensions and Industrial Injuries Schemes and then only where special conditions obtain.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs the Minister aware that thousands of people who suffer 33 long-term sickness and are denied the constant attendance allowance have proved beyond doubt that there is need for a change in the Regulations? Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider this aspect of the point which I have put to him?
§ Mr. MacphersonI recognise that there can be difficulties and that there are difficulties, but the problem is to single out some sick people for more favourable attention than others. This allowance is based on a 100 per cent. assessment of loss of faculty, under the Industrial Injuries and War Pensions Schemes, and it would not be appropriate to graft this on to National Insurance.
§ Mr. SpriggsHas the right hon. Gentleman ever heard of a man's wife having to give up regular employment to look after her husband because of long-term sickness? These are really hardship cases within families. They create real hardship. Is not this one of the instances that the Minister should examine and report upon to the House?
§ Mr. MacphersonThis is the kind of subject that is very much under constant examination, but there is no possibility of transferring benefits which are conferred under one scheme to another scheme. Whatever may be the ultimate solution, that cannot be it.