§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Mr. Joseph Hyland of Salford, who has had his leg amputated, has had his claim for a mobility allowance refused because it it stated by the insurance officer that, although he is at present unable, or virtually unable, to walk because of physical disablement, such disability is unlikely to persist for at least 12 months.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:Eligibility for mobility allowance is a matter for independent statutory authorities. The insurance officer is the first of these and Ministers are unable to comment 113W upon or influence his decisions on individual claims in any way.
I understand that Mr. Hyland has now appealed to a medical board against the decision given by the insurance officer and that arrangements are being made for Mr. Hyland's appeal to be heard as soon as posible.