HC Deb 24 June 1974 vol 875 cc379-80W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of social security benefit paid to the mentally ill not in receipt of sickness benefit in the years 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

I regret that the information my hon. Friend asks for is not available because payments of benefit other than sickness benefit and invalidity benefit are not analysed according to the cause of incapacity.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the social security provisions for the chronic disabled mental patient in the community; and if she will take steps to improve these provisions.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Like other people who are incapable of work because of ill

CLAIMANTS INCAPACITATED ON 3RD JUNE 1972 DUE TO A MENTAL DISORDER
Thousands
Males and Females Males Females
All durations … … 95 64 31
100 per cent. 100 per cent. 100 per cent.
Up to 6 months … … 29 20 9
31 per cent. 31 per cent. 31 per cent.
Over 6 months up to 1 year … 8 6 3
9 per cent. 9 per cent. 8 per cent.
Over 1 year … … 58 39 19
61 per cent. 61 per cent. 61 per cent.
(Of which, over 5 years. … … (34) (23) (11)
(36 per cent.) (36 per cent.) (36 per cent.)

ness, those disabled by chronic mental illness are able to claim sickness or invalidity benefit and, if necessary, supplementary benefit. The elderly mentally ill can receive retirement and supplementary pensions. All the main social security benefits are shortly to be substantially increased. Social security provision for the disabled as a whole is under review and my right hon. Friend will be reporting to Parliament by 31st October as required by Section 36 of the Social Security Act 1973.