HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 c978W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consideration he has given to recognising those who suffer from laryngectomy as having a disability; if he will assess sufferers' special heating requirements; if he will treat them as disabled people for purposes of VAT heating relief; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

The disability living allowance advisory board is currently considering including in the "Disability Handbook" specific guidance on the care and mobility needs of people who have had a laryngectomy. Such people may be entitled to receive any of the wide range of social security benefits, including disability living allowance and attendance allowance, which are available, subject to individual circumstances. Details of the extra help in respect of VAT on domestic fuel were given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle (Mr. Leigh) on 30 November 1993 at columns437–438.