HC Deb 11 February 1988 vol 127 cc347-8W
Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps have been taken to ensure that disabled persons who are in receipt of two allowances through a combined order book will receive the £8 special payment on each allowance.

Mr. Scott

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Fearn) on 2 February, at column591.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether leaflet N 1262 issued to indicate the benefits which attract the £8 special payment took account of those people who receive more than one benefit through a combined order book.

Mr. Scott

The leaflet was designed to provide basic information to everyone qualifying for a special payment. There is a limit to the amount of detailed information that can be included in a leaflet of this kind, and a balance had to be struck. The leaflet did, however, make it clear that anyone needing further information should contact the Department.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many severely disabled people in the United Kingdom currently receive more than one benefit through the use of a combined order book.

Mr. Nicholas Scott

I regret that the information requested is not available.