HC Deb 12 November 1984 vol 67 cc139-40W
Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registered blind people there were in the United Kingdom in 1983.

Mr. Newton

As 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. Butterfill

asked 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. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many blind people will become subject to 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. Newton

The 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.