§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps he is taking to close the gap in provision which exists where a person between the ages of 51 years and pension age who has registered as disabled since 1st January 1976 is no longer eligible for a private car allowance under the old scheme and not yet eligible for the new mobility allowance;
(2) when disabled people between the ages of 51 years and pension age will be able to claim the mobility allowance.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe arrangements in operation since January of this year make no distinction between the claimants on the basis of their ownership of or ability to drive a car. The phasing-in of mobility allowance thus applies equally to all new claimants, and there is no case for preferential treatment for those who already have a car of their own. Those aged 11 to 51 are already covered by the allowance, children aged 5 to 10 will be brought in next; and the remaining age groups concerned will be brought in over the next three years as numbers and resources allow.