HC Deb 27 November 1980 vol 994 cc153-4W
Mr. Colvin

how much it would cost if the disability allowance was paid to all registered blind people; and if he has any plans to do so. remaining unfilled at employment offices and careers offices at November 1980 and, where available, at November each year from 1971. Vacancies notified to employment offices are estimatied to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country as a whole. Because of possible duplication, the figures for employment offices and careers offices should not be added together.

Mrs. Chalker

The cost would depend on the rate of such an allowance. If, as is sometimes suggested, a benefit equivalent to the mobility allowance were paid to all registered blind persons, the cost would be nearly £100 million a year. Resources are not at present available to finance new benefits.