HC Deb 21 December 1983 vol 51 c282W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the proposed severe disablement allowance is part of the Government's long term intention of moving towards a coherent system of benefits for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

Severe disablement allowance will be a benefit for which people can qualify without regard to sex or marital status, and it will use a test of degree of disablement already well-established for industrial injuries and war pensions. It therefore represents another useful step towards the more coherent system of benefits which is our long-term aim.