§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the sum being paid out weekly in Wales to assist disabled persons with fares to and from work; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission, which administers the fares-to-work scheme, that the information is not available in the form requested. However, the hon. Gentleman may wish to know that there are 15 currently authorised cases for assistance under the fares-to-work scheme in Wales. The average weekly grant is £7.65.
I am very pleased to be able to advise that nationally the number of severely disabled people who have benefited under the revised scheme which began on 5 July 1978 has increased almost three times—2.7—which is in line with the increase estimated by the MSC. A full review of the revised scheme will be carried out after 12 months operation.