§ Mr. Alffred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the issues discussed at and the outcome of the meeting at his Department on 21 January with organisations representing disabled people.
§ Mr. MajorMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security and I had a constructive discussion with organisations representing disabled people across a wide range of issues concerning the effect of the social security reforms on disabled people. The disablement organisations have agreed to write to me setting out alternative proposals for the treatment of severely disabled people in the income-related schemes. I have undertaken, without commitment, to consider their proposals carefully. I have arranged for officials of the Department to assess the effect of the proposals when they are received, in discussion with representatives of the disability organisations. I have made clear my willingness to discuss the matter further with the disability organisations when this evaluation is complete.