§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has issued any guidelines during the past 12 months to the mobility allowance units with regard to the length of time for which mobility allowance is awarded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottAn award of mobility allowance is made by the independent adjudicating authorities for as long a period as it is considered that the conditions of entitlement will be met. I understand that no guidance on this point, other than that issued in connection with the changes relating to people without legs, has been issued to staff during the past 12 months.
§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will arrange to provide a simple medical report form for applicants for mobility allowance who are suffering from sickle cell disease in a similar style to form MY38A used for applicants who suffer from haemophilia.
§ Mr. ScottArrangements to introduce a special medical report form for people with sickle cell disease claiming mobility allowance are already in hand. Benefits Agency staff are liaising with the Birmingham sickle cell and thalassaemia centre about the questions to be included on the form and as soon as the text has been agreed, the form will be printed and brought into use.