HC Deb 01 February 1972 vol 830 cc217-8
3. Mr. Strang

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

Sir K. Joseph

None, Sir. The hon. Member will be aware, however, that the question whether anyone satisfies the statutory conditions relating to the need for attendance is entirely a matter for the Attendance Allowance Board.

Mr. Strang

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a substantial proportion of those whose applications are turned down do not apply for a review? Bearing in mind that a very high proportion of those who apply for a review are ultimately successful, is he satisfied that sufficient is being done to get the people who are at first turned down to apply for a review?

Sir K. Joseph

I think that there is a case for revising the letter of decision to emphasise the right of review. That will be done.

Mr. Waddington

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many advertisements about the scheme tend to raise people's expectations rather high, with consequent disillusionment, if not anger, when their applications are later turned down? Will he, therefore, either tone down the advertisements or broaden the scheme so that those who do not at present qualify will qualify?

Sir K. Joseph

I take seriously the point made by my hon. and learned Friend. But we shall be shown to have proceeded on lines which will have brought the award to well over the number we originally anticipated, and to a handsome proportion of those who have applied.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that tens of thousands of very hard-pressed disabled people have been refused this allowance? Will he reconsider his reply as a matter of urgency and tell us what further consideration his Department has given to a two-tier arrangement? Why should we have an all-or-nothing payment which means that many severely disabled people are excluded altogether?

Sir K. Joseph

There is a limit to the amount that can be done at one go both financially and, above all, administratively. I have told the House time and again that the Government intend to move forward at the right time, and that time will be as soon as practicable.