§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the recommendations for improving financial support for carers proposed by the fifth report from the House of Commons Social Services Committee of 1989–90, "Community Care: Carers", have been implemented since its publication.
§ Mr. ScottThe earnings limit for invalid care allowance has been raised since the report, from £20 to £40 in April 1992. Subject to parliamentary approval we intend to raise the limit again, to £50 from April this year, and to introduce a £15 disregard for all carers in the income-related benefits. Since October 1991 the carer premium in the income-related benefits has been extended for eight weeks after caring ceases.