HC Deb 13 April 1970 vol 799 cc1010-1
23. Mr. Tapsell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing the constant attendance allowance for very severely disabled people proposed in the National Superannuation and Social Insurance Bill in April, 1970.

Mr. Ennals

It is estimated that when the attendance allowance is introduced the annual cost will be of the order of £10 million.

Mr. Tapsell

As this allowance has generally been welcomed on all sides of the House, will it be possible to make it effective before the date at present proposed—April, 1972?

Mr. Ennals

I agree that this proposal has been warmly welcomed and that this allowance will be a great step forward. As I said in Standing Committee, we shall have to announce the day on which it can be introduced. It is possible to have a different appointed day from that of the scheme as a whole. But no one will expect us to take a decision until the Bill is on the Statute Book—and that is what we want to bring about.

Lord Balniel

As the cost is very small, as there is universal agreement in the House that this step is desirable, and as it is clear that the main Bill dealing with pensions will not come into operation until 1973, will the hon. Gentleman seriously consider bringing this provision into operation straight away?

Mr. Ennals

It is interesting to hear hon. Members on the Opposition Front Bench arguing that £10 million is a sum which does not matter. But that was an aside. I remind hon. Members that there are other problems. There will have to be a substantial period for us to examine those who will make their claims. We have to establish an attendance allowance board and permit it to work out its procedures. We cannot rush into this decision. We are looking into it carefully to see which date can be announced for the introduction of the allowance. We are very sympathetic with the views of the disabled and of those who care for them, and we want to bring the provision in as quickly as we can.