HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc814-6
10. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the consideration of applications for the attendance allowance.

Mr. Dean

We have received a variety of representations relating to the attendance allowance. If the hon. Member has any particular point in mind I shall, of course, be glad to look into it.

Mr. Strang

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland particularly, a considerable number of severely disabled people are having their applications refused and that many of them are not applying for review? Will he undertake to look at the way in which the Department's medical practitioners are interpreting the Act and will he take determined action to see that everyone who has an application refused applies for review?

Mr. Dean

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will let me have details of such cases or send them to Blackpool. I will gladly see that they are looked into. I can tell the House that the latest figures show that 36,000 awards have been made and that the number of successful claims totals 65 per cent. for adults and over 80 per cent. for children. The difficulties we had in the early stages have now been largely overcome and I am sure that the whole House would wish to pay tribute to the Attendance Allowance Board for the way in which it has dealt with so many claims so quickly.

Dame Joan Vickers

Can more personal visits be made to the individuals concerned? Whenever I have suggested to people that they should appeal, in every case they have won the appeal. Perhaps more individual help before a decision is reached would assist.

Mr. Dean

My hon. Friend will realise that this is largely a matter for the Attendance Allowance Board to decide. It is a question of scarce medical manpower. We are anxious to get this allowance into operation for as many people as possible. I am sure that the board is well aware of my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

Would the hon. Gentleman seek to extend the allowances at the earliest opportunity to cover a wider range of disabled people?

Mr. Dean

Yes, we regard this as only a start and hope to extend it as soon as possible.