§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that a value added tax of 10 per cent. will now be levied on the cost of wheelchairs only used by disabled people; and if he will take this additional cost into account when considering their invalidity pension, or similar benefit.
§ Mr. AlisonMost disabled people get their wheelchairs free of charge through the National Health Service, and VAT will make no difference to them. As regards the rates of invalidity pension and other benefits for the disabled, I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent announcement of substantial increases in benefits in the autumn.