HC Deb 26 July 1982 vol 28 c382W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a breakdown of mobility allowance receipts as at 31 December 1981 by social security region and the rate per 1,000 population in each region.

Mr. Rossi

The information is as follows. It excludes those awarded mobility allowance under the Vehicle Scheme Beneficiaries Regulations 1977 (27,500 as at 31 December 1981).

Social security region Number Rate per 1,000 population (estimated)
Northern 10,950 3.7
Yorkshire and Humberside 20,700 4.2
East Midlands and East Anglia 16,840 3.1
London North 13,930 2.7
London West 13,210 2.4
London South 17,520 2.9
South-Western 13,970 3.2
West Midlands 16,880 3.3
North-Western (Manchester) 13,590 4.0
North-Western (Merseyside) 12,330 3.8
Wales 14,060 5.1
Scotland 19,350 3.8

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give for each social security region the percentage of initial mobility allowance c lams awarded and the percentage awarded on review.

Mr. Rossi

The information is not available in the form requested but in 1981 62 per cent. of claims decided were successful initially and 7.5 per cent. as the result of an appeal to a medical board or medical appeal tribunal.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the guidance currently issued to medical practitioners to define the phrase "unable to walk" in the context of application for mobility allowance.

Mr. Rossi

The guidance is as follows: