§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to restore the purchasing power of the 1177W petrol allowance for invalid tricycle users to that prevailing at its introduction.
§ Mr. EnnalsNo. This allowance was introduced with the specific objective of helping to offset, for disabled drivers, the effect of the additional value added tax imposed in November 1974 as an energy conservation measure. The main mobility benefit for disabled people is now the mobility allowance. In reviewing this as required by statute I have the duty of taking into account, among other matters, changes in the general standard of living in which transport costs, including petrol, are an element. I have already announced that the mobility allowance will be increased next year.