§ 62. Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the benefits available to those suffering from severe agoraphobia and requiring vehicular transport to enable them to live normal lives.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisModern methods of treatment have much improved the prospects of living a normal life for those suffering from severe agoraphobia. If a sufferer is unable to leave the house, and is unable to earn his living, incapacity benefit is payable. The mobility allowance, however, applies only to people who are unable or virtually unable to walk. There is still much more to do in the mobility field, but the new arrangements represent a substantial advance. They are as much as we could reasonably hope to achieve in current economic conditions.