§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines are issued to his Department's offices on (a) the payment of mobility allowances and (b) checking up on alleged abuses by claimants of a mobility allowance by his Department; and if he will review the procedure by which claimants are investigated.
§ Mr. NewtonThe instructions are based on the need to determine entitlement to the allowances in accordance with the law. In fairness to other beneficiaries and the taxpayer, the instructions cover the reference of cases to the independent adjudicating authorities to consider a review where a doubt as to entitlement arises. We have no present plans to change these procedures, but I should of course be prepared to consider any suggestions the hon. Member may wish to make.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people claimed mobility allowance in 1982 and 1983; and how many people have had the allowance withdrawn in England and Wales;
(2) how many people in Scotland claimed mobility allowance in 1982 and 1983; and how many people have had the allowance withdrawn.
§ Mr. NewtonSeparate figures are not available for Scotland, England and Wales. The information for Great Britain is as follows:64W
1982 1983* Number of claims received 101,500 112,800 Allowance withdrawn after review at the request of the claimant or his representative 213 227 Allowance withdrawn after review at the request of the insurance officer 48 71 * To 25 November.