§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the mobility allowance is payable to mentally handicapped children under the age of 16 years irrespective of whether or not they are aware of their environment.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWhere a child or adult satisfies the condition of being unable or virtually unable to walk the statutory authorities will determine that he is not entitled to mobility allowance on medical grounds if, and only if, they are satisfied that his condition does not permit him to benefit from time to time from enhanced facilities for locomotion. The relevant provision is in Section 37A(2)(b) of the Social Security Act 1975. If a mentally handicapped child or adult is totally unaware of his surroundings, it is likely that on this basis he would not qualify; but many severely mentally handicapped people who are unable or virtually unable to walk do qualify.