§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest timetable for introducing mobility allowance for those between 55 years of age and retiring age; and what is the estimate of the additional cost of extending the scheme to this age group.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWe have just extended the age limits to bring 54- and 55-year-olds into the mobility allowance scheme. Almost 1,000 claims have been received in the first week. The inclusion of further age groups depends largely on the availability of medical manpower and the correctness of our forecasts, but454W I have assured the House tht the phasing-in programme will be completed by the end of 1979. The additional cost of extending the scheme up to pensionable age, based on a £7-a-week mobility allowance, is provisionally estimated at £12 million in a full year.