HC Deb 17 July 1973 vol 860 cc242-3
11. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications have been received for grants from the Government's £3 million fund in respect of congenitally disabled children; how many and what percentage of such applications have been successful; and how much of the said sum remains available.

Sir K. Joseph

I am informed that up to 6th July the Rowntree Trust had received 877 applications and had made 161 payments. Only about 2 per cent. of applications have been refused. Payments totalling £16,420 have so far been made,

Mr. Janner

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that those figures show that out of the vast number of disabled people very few understand or know of the existence of these grants or apply for them? Will he take steps to make these grants known and to extend their availability to people who became disabled after birth?

Sir K. Joseph

The answer to the second part of the question is "No". The answer to the first part is "Yes". I will be writing again to local authorities soon. From 1st August grants will be available for children under the age of 10 and we must expect, as more and more people become aware of the Rowntree Fund possibilities, that the rate of applications will increase sharply.

Mr. Astor

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to make a judgment about the amount of money which will eventually be needed to meet the demand? Can he indicate whether the Government will commit further funds when the first £3 million has been allocated?

Sir K. Joseph

It is too early to make a judgment about my hon. Friend's first question.

Mr. Alfred Morris

How can we judge the adequacy of the fund without knowing how many children are eligible for benefit? The Secretary of State suggested that there would be an increase in the amount of the fund. Will he make a statement on this matter at the earliest possible date?

Sir K. Joseph

It is not possible to estimate how many children might be helped by the fund because the circumstances of each family and the possibility or availability of help from public bodies varies in each case. But we are sure that the rate of applications will increase.