§ Mr. RowlandsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the value of the independent living fund 1993; what proportion has been allocated to date; and what proportion has been allocated to claimants in Wales.
§ Mr. ScottFinancial provision of £4 million was made for the Independent Living (1993) Fund in 1993–94. I am informed by the director of the fund that, as at 1 March, 17 per cent. of this amount had been spent.
I am further informed that the total weekly payments to all United Kingdom clients stood at the same date at around £31,000, representing an ongoing commitment equivalent to 40 per cent. of this year's financial provision.
Around 10.5 per cent. of the amount so far in payment to disabled people is being paid to applicants in Wales.