§ Q3. Mr. Freudasked the Prime Minister in what way she proposes to contribute to the International Year of Disabled People.
§ The Prime MinisterWe have paid particular attention to the needs of the disabled in the last two Budgets, putting up the mobility allowance by 65 per cent. since we came into office and doubling the tax allowance for the blind. We are taking a large number of other initiatives to mark the International Year, and I will arrange for a full list to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. FreudWill the Prime Minister give an assurance that as her contribution to the International Year of Disabled People—[HON. MEMBERS: "Reading".] Will she give an assurance that services to the handicapped will not diminish as a result of the recession? For the sake of brevity, will she say either "Yes" or "No"?
§ The Prime MinisterI have just given a reply that indicates that in some respects provision has increased.
§ Mr. John BrowneIs my right hon. Friend aware that the disabled people who work in the Enham Alamein factory in my constituency of Winchester are grateful, because they owe their entire working existence to the Government's lenient and compassionate attitude towards the survival of their factory?
§ The Prime MinisterI am grateful to my hon. Friend for pointing that out. The Government were able to undertake some public purchasing deliberately to help the disabled. We were glad of the chance to do so.
§ Mr. AshleyIs the Prime Minister aware that her reply is only a half or a quarter truth? Since she came into office the severely disabled have been badly hit. The Prime Minister should tell the House that supplementary benefit discretions, invalidity benefit, social services and the Manpower Services Commission's provision for the disabled have been cut. The right hon. Lady does not seem to appreciate the severity of the impact of those cuts on the disabled. Will she undertake to read some of the many letters that have been received by the voluntary organisations?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the right hon. Gentleman looks at the amounts spent on the health services and on social security benefits he will find that they have increased in real terms. In addition, in the last Budget we were glad to be able to double the income tax allowance for the blind. That is a real gesture in this International Year of Disabled People.
§ Mr. McQuarrieBefore my right hon. Friend leaves on her journey—which I hope will be enjoyable and 149 successful—will she take time to discuss with the Home Secretary the problem of the disabled and elderly who were seriously affected by last weekend's disturbances in Brixton? Will she ensure that they are being properly looked after?
§ The Prime MinisterMany people in Brixton were seriously disturbed by last weekend's disorders. Almost all of them—with the exception of those involved—were delighted that the police did not withdraw but fully and bravely carried on their duty to restore law and order to the area.