HC Deb 09 May 1972 vol 836 cc307-8W
51. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to arrange the introduction of the modified constant attendance allowance scheme at an early date particularly in order that families containing two or more disabled persons may be assisted before the end of 1972.

Sir K. Joseph

Provision for the introduction of the new lower rate attendance allowance is included in the National Insurance Bill published on 4th May.

54. Mr. Fred Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for the constant attendance allowance have been made in Wales in respect of mentally handicapped people; and how many of these have been granted.

Mr. Dean

Separate figures are not available to show the number of claims to the attendance allowance made in Wales for mentally handicapped people. It is estimated that at 7th April the allowance was being paid for some 750 people in Wales whose main cause of disability was mental retardation.

66. Mr. Alexander Lyon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for constant allowance have now been rejected by the Attendance Allowance Board.

Mr. Dean

It is estimated that up to 2nd May some 53,000 claims for the attendance allowance had been rejected because the medical requirements were not satisfied. This figure takes account of claims allowed following a successful application for review.

75. Mr. Fred Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for the constant attendance allowance have been made in Wales to date; and how many of these have been granted.

Mr. Dean

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Roderick) on 1st May.—[Vol. 835, c.40.]