HC Deb 13 June 1989 vol 154 cc386-7W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he is satisfied with the integration of vocational rehabilitation with both the structure and administration of social security; what action he is taking to improve co-ordination; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he is satisfied with the integration of vocational rehabilitation with both the structure and administration of social security in Wales; what action he is taking to improve co-ordination; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he is satisfied with the integration of vocational rehabilitation with both the structure and administration of social security in Scotland; what action he is taking to improve co-ordination; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

As the right hon. Member is aware, the benefits provided for disabled people by this Department are currently subject to review. As part of this process, we and the Department of Employment will consider the relation between the two Departments' provisions.

I understand that the right hon. Member's question has been prompted by a recent report in The Observer alleging plans to withdraw benefits from disabled people completing employment training (ET). I am glad to have this opportunity to say that these allegations are completely without foundation. The rules which govern disabled people's entitlement both during and after ET will continue as they have been from the beginning of the programme. People entering ET will be paid in training allowance at the rate of their previous benefits with an additional premium of £10 per week and, if they still fulfil the entitlement criteria for those benefits on completion of training, will be able to resume payment thereafter.