HC Deb 09 February 1978 vol 943 cc669-70W
Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the guidance to general practitioners who carry out examinations for mobility allowance claims.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Notes of guidance for medical practitioners examining claimants for mobility allowance are set out in my Department's leaflet NI 213. I have placed copies in the Library. The

and whether there is collated evidence that the level of such deaths can be related to factors of deprivation in Nottingham.

Mr. Ennals

The mortality rates per 1,000 live births are as follows:

leaflet is kept under review and amended from time to time to conform with the leading decisions of the independent adjudicating authorities who decide claims to mobility allowance and with changes in legislation.

Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of awards made by the independent adjudication authorities upon claims for mobility allowance, he is satisfied that the medical conditions for entitlement to the allowance are set out clearly enough in leaflet NI 211.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Leaflet NI 211 is designed to give general guidance to claimants about the qualifying conditions for mobility allowance, including the medical conditions. It is intended to encourage any disabled person who considers that he is unable or virtually unable, to walk because of physical disablement to claim the allowance. I have no reason to suppose that a significant number of people are failing to claim mobility allowance. Of those who do claim, approximately 75 per cent, are successful.