§ Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many married women who applied for the invalid care allowance following his announcement in June 1986 are still waiting for the benefit; what percentage that figure represents of the total number of applicants: how many of those applied before the original closing date of 31 December 1986; and when he estimates that all the applicants will have received the benefit.
§ Mr. ScottAt 9 October some 130,600 invalid care allowance claims had been received from married women of which about 18,700 (14.3 per cent.) were awaiting decision. These claims, including around 8,000 received up to 31 December 1986, will be cleared as quickly as possible. The question inadvertently implies a final date for claims; although claims received after 31 August 1987 do not attract extra-statutory arrears in excess of 12 months, the statutory entitlement to current benefit and up to 12 months arrears in appropriate circumstances, will continue indefinitely.