§ 14. Sir David PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about spending on disabled people since 1979.
§ Mr. ScottSocial security help for long-term sick and disabled people has increased in real terms by more than £4 billion since 1978–79 to a total of £8.3 billion in 1989–90. The proposals we outlined in "The Way Ahead", along with the changes announced in October 1989, will add some £300 million by 1993–94 and will give extra help to an estimated 850,000 people.
§ Sir David PriceDoes my right hon. Friend accept that it would be churlish of the House not to acknowledge the improvements that he and his colleagues have made? Does 917 he accept also that we have a long way to go before any of us can feel really satisfied that we are doing right by our disabled brethren and sisters? Will my right hon. Friend therefore acknowledge that many hon. Members, including myself for as long as I am in this House, will come back, like Oliver Twist, asking for more for the disabled until we feel that justice is really done?
§ Mr. ScottI certainly agree that there are continuing needs for disabled people, despite the dramatic improvements that have been made over the past 10 years. They are not restricted simply to benefits. We also need a more co-ordinated approach to services for disabled people, improved access to our public buildings, and further efforts to bring technology to the service of people with disabilities.