HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 c87W
Sir David Price

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the Treasury's specific contributions to the International Year of Disabled People.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

As part of the Government's response to the International Year of Disabled People, I announced in my 1981 Budget speech a package of measures designed to help the disabled. The special income tax allowance for the blind and the mobility allowance were both increased; new or extended VAT reliefs were given to disabled people and it was made easier for trusts for the disabled to obtain the £3, 000 capital gains tax exemption. The Government response to the Year was co-ordinated by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Social Services, and grants were made by his and certain other Departments to assist voluntary organisations in their arrangements for the international year. With regard to the Treasury's own disabled staff, we make every endeavour, with the help of the Property Services Agency, to meet their special needs. During the international year a review was undertaken to see if more might be done and as a result some additional aids have now been provided.