§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the expenditure on outdoor mobility for disabled people in the financial year 1973–74; what was the expenditure under this head in the financial year 1978–79, and what was the projected expenditure for the financial year 1979–80 and 1980–81 on the basis of policy decisions previously announced.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe following is the available information:
TOTAL EXPENDITURE BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY ON MOBILITY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE Financial Year £ million 1973–74 11.2 1978–79 (provisional) 67.0 1979–80 (estimated) 90.0 1980–81 (estimated) 98.0 The estimates for 1979–80 and 1980–81 are based upon mobility allowance at the July 1978 rate of £10 a week. They take account of the extension of the scheme provided for in the Social Security Act 1979 but not of the uprating to £12 to take place this November, or of any subsequent increases. Other services are at 317W 1978 prices without adjustment for future trends in prices, etc.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, apart from any increase in spending required by annual reviews of the mobility allowance, he has any proposals for increasing expenditure on outdoor mobility help for disabled people in either the current financial year or in 1980–81.
§ Mr. PrenticeAn increase in the mobiliy allowance from £10 to £12 a week has just been announced. I hope to be able to announce soon when the phasing in of the allowance will be completed. I hope that improvements in the economy will ultimately release resources to do a great deal more to help disabled people with mobility problems.