§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is 678W his estimate of the percentage extra weekly cost of a diabetic diet;
(2) what plans he has to introduce a disablement costs allowance to cater, among other things, for the extra expenses incurred by diabetics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe circumstances of individual patients vary so widely as to preclude any meaningful estimate. In general, however, diabetics with a good understanding of their diet should be able to use ordinary foodstuffs and thus incur little additional expenditure.
I recognise the desire of many disabled people for the introduction of a disablement costs allowance. Such an allowance has, of course, to be considered not only on its own merits but also with other competing claims on public expenditure.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what surveys have been conducted to ascertain whether diabetics have been able to afford diets prescribed for them.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly addition is payable to diabetics who are in receipt of supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. OrmeI refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Hoyle) on 13th March.—[Vol. 946, c.62.]