§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards a national disability income, and whether he has any proposals to introduce changes in social security provision affecting disabled people.
§ Mr. MajorThe Government are aware of the case made for a national disability income and share the underlying aim of progress towards a more coherent system of benefits for long-term sick and disabled people as resources permit. However, it would be inappropriate to make significant changes to existing benefit provision in advance of results of the survey of disabled people currently being carried out by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. The results of the survey are expected to be published in 1988 and will provide the evidence for a comprehensive review of benefits for long-term sick and disabled people.