§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many housewives he estimates are prevented by disability from doing their own housework; and in what ways his Department intends to help them.
§ Mr. DeanThe recent O.P.C.S. survey estimates the number of non-active housewives at nearly 490,000, of whom nearly three-quarters are over 65. Local authorities have wide powers to provide services for the handicapped, including housewives, and my right hon. Friend is discussing with the local authority associations how these can best be developed 67W Very severely disabled housewives will be eligible for the new attendance allowance.