§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is prepared to increase the special higher rates of supplementary benefit for the blind to allow for inflation since 1962.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWhile the excess of the blind scale over the ordinary supplementary benefit scale rates has remained unchanged since 1962, the blind have benefited since that date from the substantial increase in real terms of the ordinary scales. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the current review of the supplementary benefits scheme and that 811W the Government have still to make their response to the recommendations of the Pearson Commission. These are two areas where I can assure the hon. Member that I have the position of the blind very much in mind.