§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the weekly financial allowance made by his Department towards the cost of maintenance of a guide dog, for a registered blind person, and when this allowance was last reviewed.
§ Mr. DeanRegistered blind persons entitled to supplementary benefit have their requirements assessed in accordance with a special higher scale which is intended to meet the additional costs arising from blindness. The special scale was increased, along with the normal supplementary benefit rates, last November. When a blind person has exceptional needs which cannot be met from the special scale the Supplementary172W Benefits Commission has discretionary powers to provide for any extra expenses.