§ Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he could not keep to the previously planned timetable for completing the phasing-in of the mobility allowance by 31 December 1979; how many eligible people are still awaiting payment of the allowance; and if they will be compensated for reduction in the value of their entitlements because of inflation.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe phasing-in of mobility allowance was completed on 7 September 1979, some four months earlier than previously planned. About 22,000 people over 60 claimed before 28 November 1979, the first payment date, and over 17,500 awards have been made to this age group. We continue to receive about 1,300 claims each week from people aged between 5 and 65.