HC Deb 27 June 1977 vol 934 cc80-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now able to make a statement on the outcome of his consideration of the conclusions reached by the Attendance Allowance Board concerning the need for a second six-month qualifying period for the allowance where there has been a temporary improvement as a result of which the allowance has been withdrawn.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I am very glad to be able to tell my hon. Friend that the Government have decided to accept the Board's recommendations in their entirety. They were that a person should not have to serve a second six months' qualifying period for attendance allowance where the medical requirements for the allowance are again satisfied after an interval of not more than two years since the cessation or reduction in the rate of the allowance, always provided that the medical requirements are likely to be satisfied for at least six months. As soon as opportunity allows, we shall be introducing the necessary amendment to the Social Security Act 1975.