HC Deb 27 April 1971 vol 816 cc230-1
Q3. Mr. Ashley

asked the Prime Minister what recent representations he has received from the Disablement Income Group; and what reply he has sent.

The Prime Minister

I received last Friday a letter from the Director of the Disablement Income Group about the incomes of certain categories of severely disabled people. I shall be replying to it shortly.

Mr. Ashley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's recent provision for disabled people, especially disabled fathers, is warmly welcomed as a first, but significant, step forward? Will he consult his colleagues about the provision for a group of people who work hard, who never complain, who do not go on strike and who never put in a wage claim, namely, disabled housewives?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The letter I received on Friday from the Director expressed the Group's appreciation of the action which had been taken by the Government and the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. The letter went on to raise the particular case of severely disabled housewives, as well as of the congenitally disabled and the disabled who are at work. After considering these three points, we will reply to the letter.