§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the rapid increase in the price of petrol, he intends to review the mobility allowance or give a small allocation of petrol to those registered as disabled.
§ Mr. PrenticeMy right hon. Friend is required by law to consider each year whether the rate of mobility allowance should be increased, having regard to a number of factors. These include any changes in taxation which directly affect the cost of motoring, such as the current increases in excise duty on petrol and in value added tax. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 12 June, mobility allowance is being increased to £12 a week, and my right hon. Friend will very shortly be laying a statement before the House setting out his conclusion and the reasons for it.