§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements he has made to date to involve hon. Members and the Disablement Income Group in the preparatory work for the introduction of the new cash benefit for disabled housewives; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe new benefit for married women who are both incapable of work and of performing normal household duties has been the subject of detailed discussions between306W my Department and members of the All-Party Disablement Group. There have also been several meetings with representatives of the Disablement Income Group. They discussed the pilot exercise to test possible procedures for determining incapacity for normal household duties and also the subsequent drafting of regulations, leaflets and forms. A further meeting with representatives of the Disablement Income Group has been arranged. These entirely novel discussions have been most valuable in the preparatory work for the introduction of this important new benefit and I am most grateful to all who have participated.