§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what estimate he has made of the increase in the cost of motoring since July 1978; and what increase in the mobility allowance would now be needed to restore its value in terms of motoring to what it was in July 1978;
653W(2) what data he uses in calculating the motoring costs of the disabled in relation to (a) the cost of travelling by taxi, (b) the cost of travelling by hire car, (c) the basic price of petrol including petrol duty and value added tax and (d) the price of suitable cars including car tax and value added tax.
§ Mr. PrenticeMy right hon. Friend has announced that mobility allowance will be raised to £12 a week, an increase of 20 per cent., from November next. I invite the hon. Member to await the statement which will shortly be laid before the House concerning the basis of this increase.
§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the criteria for entitlement to mobility allowance adequately meet the needs of those who, although neither unable to walk nor virtually unable to walk, are incapable by reason of their disability of using public transport; and, if not, whether he will introduce legislation to extend such entitlement.
§ Mr. PrenticeMobility allowance is designed to assist the mobility of disabled people who cannot walk or who are virtually unable to do so. I appreciate that there are some people who have mobility difficulties which fall short of entitling them to the allowance, and I shall bear their needs in mind. But I must emphasise again that any advances in the help given to disabled people must be determined by the strength of the economy.