§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registered blind people there were in the United Kingdom in 1983.
§ Mr. NewtonAs at 31 March 1982, the latest date for which information is centrally available for the United Kingdom as a whole, the total number of registered blind people was as follows:—
Number England 111,729 Wales 7,861 Scotland 11,259 United Kingdom 130,849
§ Mr. Butterfillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of blind people who will receive less than they otherwise would have done in the November uprating of benefits because of the increase in the available scale margin; and if he will estimate the total saving to the Exchequer resulting from this.
§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many blind people will become subject to 140W the £1 available scale margin reduction from their additional allowances under the supplementary benefit regulations on 26 November; what savings will result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe available scale margin does not apply to the blindness addition or the age addition, nor does it affect those blind people who are in receipt of the short-term rate of supplementary benefit including those claiming as unemployed. For blind people on the long-term scale rate, the effect will vary according to the nature and extent of any payment they receive for additional requirements. I will write to the hon. Members with further information as soon as possible.