§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the blind addition to supplementary benefit has been increased in the last four years; if so, when and by how much; and, if not, why it was not included among those listed in the answer to a parliamentary Question on 6th May 1976.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe supplementary benefit entitlement of blind claimants is assessed by reference to special scale rates which have been uprated along with486W North, Official Report, 14th May 1976, c. 314, how the additional spending power which the single parent may expect to obtain in August 1976 is built up, for instance how how much of the increase is due to CHIB, and how much to increased tax allowances since March 1976.
§ Mr. OrmeThe following tables gives the information in detail.
the ordinary scale rates at each general uprating. The cash margin by which the special scale rates for the blind exceed the ordinary rates has not been increased for some years, but the margin does not in itself constitute a separate benefit or grant.