§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications he has now received for the lower-rate attendance allowance; how many he has granted; how many he has rejected; and how many are still pending.
§ Mr. DeanApplications are made simply for the allowance, not for the higher or lower rate. Between 15th8W November 1972, when the first lower-rate awards were made, and 2nd October 1973, 101,000 applications were received. There have been 33,000 higher-rate awards, 18,000 lower-rate awards, 23,000 rejections and 27,000 claims are pending. These figures do not indicate the long-term pattern because of the phased take-on for the lower rate, with initial pay dates this year of 4th June for those of working age, 1st October for children and 3rd December for the elderly.