§ 51. Mr. Raymond Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received about the Government's decision to cut invalidity benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe numbers of representations made about the abatement of invalidity benefit, which took effect in November 1980, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
373WAs has been stated consistently, the abatement will be restored when invalidity benefit come into tax. As an earnest of this intention we have already restored the abatement of the invalidity allowances.
§ 62. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has given further consideration to the representations of the Disablement Income Group for the restoration of the 5 per cent. abatement of the invalidity pension.
§ Mr. RossiI have no record of recent representations from the Disablement Income Group on the subject. The Government have consistently made it clear that restoration of the abatement of the invalidity pension will be made when the benefit comes into tax.
§ 69. Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters he has had for and against the Government's decision to cut invalidity benefit for long-term sick and disabled people.
§ Mr. RossiThe abatement of invalidity benefit was made in November 1980. The numbers and the content of letters received on that subject both before and after that date could be provided only at disproportionate cost.