HC Deb 23 October 1989 vol 158 c340W
22. Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress his Department is making towards the introduction of a comprehensive disability income scheme.

44. Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department is examining ways to introduce a comprehensive disability income scheme.

Mr. Scott

We have already spent some £7.3 billion on disability benefits, an increase of 90 per cent. in real terms since 1979. We have received a number of representations from disability organisations about the introduction of a comprehensive disability income. Whilst these proposals warrant consideration the extra cost of such a scheme is a significant obstacle. We shall, however, consider carefully all the comments made on the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys reports on disability.