§ Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what period of notice of the introduction of the disabled housewives' benefit is required in order to enable the necessary administrative arrangements for payment to be made; and whether he is now in a position to announce the date of introduction.
§ Mr. EnnalsIf my right hon. Friend has in mind the take-on period, during which claims are received and decided in advance of the introduction of a new benefit, we think that a period of about four months may be necessary for this disabled housewives' benefit. As my right hon. Friend is aware, there is also a substantial amount of other work to be done before a new benefit can be launched and I have had assistance with planning some of the administrative arrangements both from the Disablement Income Group and the All-Party Disablement Group in the House. I am not yet able to announce a starting date.