§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many payments have been made for increased invalidity benefit to men whose wives earn under £80.70 per week since 15 April; and how this new rate of benefit has been publicised.
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§ Mr. ScottThe information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
For most invalidity benefit recipients who have been receiving payment continuously from a date prior to 16 September 1985, payment of an adult dependency increase ceases altogether when the dependent's earnings are £80.70 or more per week. This amount increases at each uprating and is notified to every beneficiary by issue of a form with the first payment of the uprated amount.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to equalise women's entitlement to invalidity benefit.
§ Mr. ScottAt present we have no plans to do so. However, as the hon. Member is aware there is a current court case concerning the rate of invalidity benefit payable to women on reaching state pension age, the outcome of which is awaited.