§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people who now receive (a) non-contributory invalidity pension and (b) housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension would fail to qualify for the severe disablement allowance but for the provision that existing recipients will automatically be transferred to the new benefit; and how many of those who are now eligible for but fail to claim each of these benefits would not qualify for the severe disablement allowance.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation is not available in the form requested. However it is estimated that about 16,000 married or co-habiting women currently receiving HNCIP would not qualify for severe disablement allowance. No information is available on the number of people who are eligible for but do not claim non-contributory invalidity pension and housewives non-contributory invalidity pension, and who would not qualify for severe disablement allowance.
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§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage take-up is assumed in his estimate of the total number of steady state recipients of severe disablement allowance.
§ Mr. NewtonEstimates are based on the number of people currently drawing non-contributory invalidity pension and housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension and will therefore reflect the take-up levels of these benefits. There is no information on the take-up of HNCIP but we are aware that some people who are eligible for NCIP choose not to claim as they are already in receipt of Supplementary Benefit.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what evidence he bases his estimates of the numbers of potential gainers and losers from the introduction of severe disablement allowance.
§ Mr. NewtonThe estimates were derived from a variety of sources including the OPCS survey "Handicapped and Impaired in Great Britain" by Amelia Harris, updated to reflect current population figures, and social security statistics on benefits already available to the severely disabled in the working age groups.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of (a) single men, (b) married or cohabiting men, (c) single women and (d) married or cohabiting women aged 20+ years who will each year fall to be assessed for severe disablement allowance under the terms of clause 4 of the Health and Social Security Bill.
§ Mr. NewtonOur best estimate of the number of successful claims each year from people over age 20, once severe disablement allowance has been phased in, is as follows:
Number Men 5,000 Single women 3,000 Married or cohabiting women 4,000 Many of these will have been incapable of work since before age 20. We are unable to forecast the number of unsuccessful claims.