HC Deb 16 March 1976 vol 907 cc510-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of handicapped and impaired people over pensionable age work; and what percentage of handicapped and impaired people under pensionable age work.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I would refer my hon. Friend to table 7 in Part II ("Work and Housing of Impaired Persons in Great Britain") of the report of the OPCS survey "Handicapped and Impaired in Great Britain", from which the following percentages for handicapped and impaired people, as defined in that report, have been derived. It must, of course, be borne in mind that this survey was carried out over seven years ago and was confined to people living at home.

these would be willing to claim; and, in each case, how many would be over pensionable age.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I regret that information later than that contained in the Amelia Harris survey, which relates to 1968–69, is not available.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many handicapped or impaired people as defined in the Amelia Harris Report claim an exceptional circumstances addition; and how many of these are over pensionable age.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I regret that separate statistics on exceptional circumstances additions are not kept for the handicapped or impaired.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many handicapped or impaired people, as defined in the Amelia Harris Survey, "Handicapped and Impaired in Great Britain", claim supplementary benefit at the householder and the non-householder rate; and how many claim supplementary allowance at the long-term and short-term rate.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I regret that this information is not available. Supplementary benefit statistical records do not categorise recipients on the basis of handicap or impairment.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many retirement pensioners receive a reduced retirement pension, or no retirement pension at all, because disability prevented them from contributing fully earlier in their lives.

Mr. O'Malley

I regret that this information is not available. No record is normally kept of the reasons for an individual's deficient contribution record.