§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will extend and backdate payment of mobility allowance to persons not entitled to the allowance as a result of being aged under 65 years when the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 was passed, but over 65 years when the relevant commencement order was made; and how many persons he estimates are in this category.
§ Mr. PrenticeI completed the phasing-in of mobility allowance in November 1979 when those in the 61 to 64 age group were brought in. My right hon. Friend has no plans to extend the scope of the allowance further.
It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the number of people who were under 65 when the allowance was introduced and who would have received it but for the phasing-in arrangements. However, it is thought that they may number about 25,000.