§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made, since the presentation in September 1974 of the House of Commons Paper, "Social Security Provision for Chronically Sick and Disabled People", in investigating the problems for the disabled worker of extra expense, of low income and of incentives; whether any research has been instituted into the effect of the "therapeutic earnings limit" or "earnings stop" on invalidity pensioners' abilities or incentives to work; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWe are giving priority to more immediately urgent work on benefits which are already on the statute book; but contact is being made with a wide range of individuals and organisations with experience relevant to these issues. There is close co-operation with officials of the Department of Employment and of the agencies of the Manpower Services Commission. We have authorised a small-scale study by independent researchers of the position of invalidity pensioners who may be able to do some part-time work. This will be a difficult project and it will take some time to carry through. We intend, early in the new year, to issue a discussion paper prepared in consultation with the Department of Employment; and, in the light of comments on this paper, to hold a seminar during 1976 on the "cash situation" of the disabled worker, with the emphasis on practical experience and on possible practical solutions to the problems which have been identified.