Non-contributory Invalidity Pension

HC Deb 13 July 1982 vol 27 cc840-1

5. Mr. Ennals

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he now expects the review of the household duties test for housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension to be completed.

The Minister for Social Security (Mr. Hugh Rossi)

The review is almost ready, but I cannot at present give a date for its completion.

Mr. Ennals

Why has the review taken so long, thereby creating frustration for tens of thousands of disabled housewives? Is the Minister aware that the Labour Government made plans to finance an improve-ment and that the National Insurance Advisory Committee put forward proposals over two years' ago?

Mr. Rossi

It does not lie in the right hon. Gentleman's mouth to quote the previous Government's record. They were forced to include married women in non-contributory invalidity pensions. It then took two years before they brought forward regulations to include them, which included the household duties test. They found that the test was being interpreted too widely, and, in four days in the parliamentary recess, they tabled regulations tightening up the test. Their record is disgraceful. The right hon. Gentleman, from his own unhappy experience—he was in charge for part of the time—knows that it is a complex matter.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Will my hon. Friend put in the Library a list of the questions to which he needs answers to formulate the review so that, before the House rises for the Summer Recess, hon. Members who are interested can write to him with such advice as may be within their power and observation?

Mr. Rossi

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that suggestion. We intend to publish the results of the review and then to invite consultation.

Mr. Ashley

Is the Minister aware that the household duties test is not only offensive, as it discriminates against married women, but is the most unfair way of deciding a social security benefit, as each applicant has a different disability, every household is different and the equipment is different? Is it not time to abolish the test, especially as so many people are suffering from the results?

Mr. Rossi

I am aware of the many complaints about the test. We are not responsible for it being there. We are trying to grapple with the problem. To abolish the test completely would mean an additional net public expenditure of about £250 million.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Is it not at the very least disquieting that a report presented to the Government in July 1980 still has not been acted upon? Is the Minister aware that present Ministers, when in Opposition, argued as long ago as 1979 that the issue was straightforward and urgent? When will a decision be announced and will there be action in the next Session on the National Insurance Advisory Committee's report?

Mr. Rossi

The 1980 report asked the Government to carry out a review and to examine the position in other countries. We have been doing both those things. It has taken so long because of the nature of the inquiries and the complexity of the matter. As I said, the review is nearly complete and we hope to make an announcement in the near future.