§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now extend mobility allowance to mentally handicapped children under 5 years of age.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe present state of the economy does not allow for the introduction of new benefits or for the extension of scope of existing ones.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to trace those eligible for mobility allowance who have not claimed it.
§ Mr. PrenticeSince its introduction, mobility allowance has been the subject 337W of a series of national press advertising campaigns, the most recent one being last autumn. As a result, over 130,000 people have been awarded the benefit and this figure represents more than the number originally estimated to be entitled. A further 25,000 awards have been made to people in the former car allowance or invalid vehicle schemes. I am considering the need for a further advertising campaign, to remind 65-year-olds that it is essential for them to claim before their 66th birthday, if they think they are entitled.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to extend mobility allowance to those under 5 years old and to the mentally handicapped ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe present state of the economy does not allow the introduction of new benefits or the extension of existing ones. I should emphasise, however, that mobility allowance is not designed for, or restricted to, particular diagnostic groups and that it would be available to a mentally handicapped person who is unable or virtually unable to walk.