§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many extra people would be eligible for mobility allowance if the earliest date for eligibility were extended to those born (a) before 29 November 1913, (b) before 29 November 1912, and (c) before 29 November 1911; and what would be the additional cost.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons there were in receipt of mobility allowance on 31 December 1982 who were in receipt of the award for over one year and up to and including two years; and how this compares with the corresponding figures at 31 December 1979.
§ Mr. RossiThe information is as follows:
31 December 1982 31 December 1979 Mobility allowance recipients with awards of over one year and up to and including two years 16,430 6,520
§ Mr. Wickendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans for extending payment by credit transfer to mobility allowance.
§ Mr. RossiFrom the end of this month new claimants for mobility allowance will be able to choose to have their allowance paid direct into a bank or building society account by credit transfer. During the next eight months we shall write to all existing beneficiaries to explain the new method of payment and to ask if they wish to change to it. Those who do not wish to switch need do nothing; their present payment arrangements will continue unchanged.