HC Deb 25 July 1978 vol 954 c715W
Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will seek to pay a special allowance to blind persons.

Mr. Alfred Morris

From my meeting on 19th July with representatives of national organisations of and for blind people, I am aware in detail of the case strongly advanced for a blindness allowance. All of the points put to me at the meeting are being carefully considered.

Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of extending mobility allowance to blind persons.

Mr. Alfred Morris

If mobility allowance of £10 a week were to be provided for registered blind people between the ages of five and 65 (60 for women), the estimated annual cost would be about £16 million. If all registered blind people in the United Kingdom were included, the additional cost would be about £65 million.

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