§ Mr. HannamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) single lower limb amputees and (b) double lower limb amputees receive the mobility allowance.
§ Mr. ScottI regret that information cannot be provided in the detail requested. The available information shows that there are 8,240 amputees with current awards of mobility allowance.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has decided on the criteria which will determine the circumstances in which deaf-blind people will be treated as being unable to walk or virtually unable to walk to enable them to become entitled to mobility allowance; and what plans he has to ensure that deaf-blind people take full advantage of the extension to the mobility allowance scheme.
§ Mr. Scott[holding answer 22 February 1990]: The criteria were set out in the Mobility Allowance Amendment Regulations 1990 which were made on 20 March. Information about the extension was included in the new editions of the relevant leaflets which were published in April. We have been monitoring claims that have been received from deaf-blind people and we are contacting representatives of these people to discuss whether further steps need to be taken to ensure that they are aware of the new arrangements.