§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
(i) what was the justification for denying severe disablement allowance to members of crown servants' families who accompanied the crown servant on postings abroad for aggregate periods in excess of 10 years in the last 20 years; and (ii) when this regulation was made.
§ The Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)One of the eligibility criteria for severe disablement allowance is that a person must have been resident in Great Britain for a total of 10 years in the preceding 20 years. The residence test is contained in Regulation 3 of the Social Security (Severe Disablement Allowance) Regulations, which makes no exception for families of crown servants, and which came into operation on 29th November 1984. This was the date on which severe disablement allowance replaced non-contributory invalidity pension, which was subject to the same residence test. It is for the independent adjudicating authorities to decide whether the residence condition is fulfilled in individual cases. If my noble friend has a particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it if he gives me details.