§ 53. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken by his Department to work out criteria for a disablement allowance based upon the extra costs caused by disability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisExtra costs caused by disability are one of a number of different bases on which a disablement allowance could be constructed. Attendance allowance and mobility allowance already provide help to large numbers of severely disabled people whose disabilities put them at a financial disadvantage. I am, of course, familiar with the Disablement Income Group's call for a disablement costs allowance. The Government will consider all proposals which are put to them for extending new help to disabled people. My hon. Friend will appreciate that further progress in this field, as in all other areas of public expenditure, is dependent upon the availability of resources.