HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 cc240-1W
52. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a comprehensive statement on the scope of his regulations providing for security benefits to be made available to single as well as married persons either suffering themselves or acting as attendants upon disabled persons suffering from age, infirmity or sever frailty from any cause.

Mr. Ennals

Comprehensive provision is made by way of national insurance and supplementary benefits for those who are unable to work because of age or disability. A wife under 60 attracts increases of her husband's benefits and at 60 qualifies for a retirement pension provided he has qualified for his. There will be a completely new benefit, the Attendance Allowance, for the very severely disabled. Relatives looking after them will include some who qualify for insurance benefit in their own right or as dependants. Those in need may also qualify for supplementary benefit.