§ Mr. Cowansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans in the foreseeable future to set up a special national benefit scheme for the totally disabled who are unable to work 530W Health District has a similar mix of specialities no valid comparison is possible.
§ Sir M. Haversasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of beds available in Wimbledon Hospital and what specialities they cover; and in what proportion to the whole.
§ Mr. MoyleI understand that the average daily number of available beds at this hospital in 1976 was 70.9 out of a total bed complement of 72: geriatric care, 36; general surgery, 31; general medicine, 5.
§ Sir M. Haversasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which are the three nearest general hospitals to Wimbledon Hospital; what is the percentage of occupancy of beds in each on average over the last six months; and what specialities each covers.
§ Mr. MoyleThe following information applies to the 12 months January-December 1976:
to obtain a sufficient wage to support their families.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisDisabled people who are unable to work are already entitled to appropriate benefits, which have been improved in recent years and are still being improved. We are paying 531W each week about 450,000 contributory and 130,000 non-contributory invalidity pensions. Moreover, entitlement to earnings-related invalidity pension will begin to build up from April 1978, and easements will be made in the age bands for the invalidity allowance in 1979. My hon. Friend may like to know that mobility allowance and attendance allowance may he paid in addition to invalidity benefits.