HC Deb 27 July 1983 vol 46 cc502-3W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now introduce legislation to provide that attendance allowance be paid fully for the first six months of a sickness which is deemed to be within the other criteria relevant to paying attendance allowances.

Mr. Newton

As was explained to the hon. Member on 31 January 1983—[Vol. 36, c.27]—the purpose of attendance allowance is to help severely disabled people who have long-term attendance needs. We could give no priority to removing the six months qualifying condition for the allowance.