HC Deb 17 October 1975 vol 897 cc846-7W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will indicate the procedure to be adopted in providing personal allowances for patients in mental hospitals; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Meacher

Patients who are admitted to mental hospitals on or after 17th November and who do not qualify for either the new non-contributory invalidity pension or contributory benefits will be able to claim supplementary benefit on the same basis as patients in other hospitals. Other mental hospital patients who need personal allowances will continue, for the time being, to receive them from health authorities.