§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has to extend the invalid care allowance to married women, in view of the EEC Draft Directive R/48/77.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWe have no proposals at present for an extension of the invalid care allowance. Extending the allowances to married women would be 105W a major undertaking with wide implications. I should add that I am advised that the draft directive referred to by the hon. Lady would not have any bearing on the question whether invalid care allowance—a benefit which, as far as I know, is unique to this country—should be extended to married women.