§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost for 1980–81 of a non-taxable disability income for all severely handicapped children as recommended by the Pearson Royal Commission at a rate which would maintain the real value of the benefit of £4 per week in 1977 and the cost of such a benefit for 1980–81 if it were given only to those already awarded a sum under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act.
§ Mr. RossiOn the basis of the Pearson Commission's estimates, the cost for 1980–81 of a non-taxable disability income for severely disabled children at a weekly rate of £6, equivalent to £4 a week in 1977 in real terms, would be £23 million. The cost of such an income for those already awarded a sum under the vaccine damage payments scheme would be £200,000.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will implement the recommendation of the Pearson report on civil liability and compensation for personal injury for the introduction of a non-taxable disability income as an addition to child benefit either for all severely handicapped children or for all those qualifying for an award under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act.
§ Mr. RossiNo. There are no resources available at present to finance the introduction of a new special benefit for severely handicapped children. As regards the Government's policy for disabled people in general, and those receiving vaccine damage payments in particular, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to his other questions today.