HC Deb 16 December 1983 vol 50 cc622-3W
Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will analyse claimants of (a) non-contributory invalidity pension and (b) housewives non-contributory invalidity pension by cause of incapacity, using the categories used in Table 4.40 of the Social Security Statistics.

Mr. Newton

The information is as follows, as at 31 May 1982.

Non-contributory invalidity pension Housewives non-contributory invalidity pension
All causes 143,000 49,300
Infective and parasitic diseases 1,100 1,900
Tuberculosis *700 *500
Neoplasms 300 1,100
Endrocine, nutritional and metabolic diseases 1,300 1,100
Diseases of blood and blood forming organs 400 200
Non-contributory invalidity pension Housewives non-contributory invalidity pension
Mental disorders 81,500 2,700
Diseases of nervous system and sense organs 19,100 13,100
Diseases of circulatory system 4,800 7,700
Hypertensive disease *900 *600
Ischaemic heart disease * 1,200 *1,000
Diseases of respiratory system 3,300 1,800
Bronchitis (excluding acute) *2,400 *1,300
Diseases of digestive system 1,000 400
Diseases of genito-urinary system 200 300
Diseases of pregnancy, child birth and puerperium
Diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissue 300
Diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 4,900 17,500
Arthritis and rheumatism (except rheumatic fever) *3,000 *9,300
Congenital anomalies 11,400 300
Symptons and ill-defined conditions 12,000 600
Accidents, poisioning and violence 1,400 600
* Figures are also incorporated in the totals applicable to the relevant group. These figures are based on a small sample of cases.

Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of men and single women receiving non-contributory invalidity pension who have become incapable for work since the age of 20 years.

Mr. Newton

Firm estimates are not available because the benefit has been in existence only since 1975. However, information about those currently claiming non-contributory invalidity pension suggests that only a small proportion become incapable of work after age 20.