§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many individuals are currently receiving invalid care allowance; and what is the estimated annual cost of this, taking into account the saving of supplementary benefit payments which would otherwise be made.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAt the end of February 1979 some 6,100 people were receiving invalid care allowance—ICA. The estimated annual gross cost of the benefit at current rates is £4 million. It is not possible to estimate how much would be paid in supplementary benefit if there were no ICA, because no information is available as to the resources of people now receiving the allowance.