§ 51. Mr. McCartneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the new invalid care allowance for those who look after severely disabled relatives.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisInvalid care allowance has been payable since 5th July 1976. Some 5,000 men and single women who remain at home to look after a severely disabled relative are now receiving this new non-means-tested benefit and the associated national insurance contribution credits. My Department con-102W tinues to seek opportunities to spread information about the allowance to those who might qualify.