§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to allow disabled children living in hospital or away from home in boarding houses, residential homes or hostels on 29 November to qualify for Christmas bonuses.
§ Mr. RossiPayment of a Christmas bonus is dependent on entitlement to a qualifying social security benefit in the relevant week. The only such benefit payable to a disabled child is attendance allowance and we have no plans at present to alter the qualifying conditions for that benefit.