§ Mr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the change in the level of spending on the disabled over the past 10 years.
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§ Mr. ScottExpenditure on benefits for long-term sick and disabled people has increased, in cash terms, from £1.8 billion in 1978–79 to £8.3 billion in 1989–90. In real terms, this is an increase of £4 billion in 1989–90 prices.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he intends to introduce a specific benefit to cover the additional day-to-day costs incurred by people with disabilities.
§ Mr. ScottThere are already a number of social security benefits which provide help with the additional day-to-day costs incurred by people with disabilities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 25 October a range of significant measures to extend the availability of such help. We shall announce within the next few months further proposals to improve the balance and structure of disability benefits.