Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that an increase of 15p per week in the allowances that are paid to sufferers from diabetes is adequate, in view of recent 20 per cent. increases in the special foods required by sufferers; and what 750W proposals he has for increasing the special benefits paid to diabetics.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe supplementary benefit scale rates cover normal day-to-day living expenses, including food. The two standard rates of dietary addition are in recognition of the extra cost that may be incurred in replacing normal food with more expensive alternatives. The dietary additions were fixed in 1966 on the basis of medical science, and are increased each year in line with movements in the food component of the retail price index. Both the scale rates and the dietary additions were increased from 12 November. The standard rate for diabetes was increased by 25p to £2.50 a week.