§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what action he will take to encourage blind and partially-sighted persons to claim disability living allowance and attendance allowance following the House of Lords judgement of 21 April; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what action he will take to encourage blind and partially-sighted persons to request reviews of attendance allowance and disability living allowance claims, where these have been rejected following the House of Lords ruling of 21 April.
§ Mr. HagueThe Department has no plans to initiate any special action beyond the usual information services available. Major administrative disruption could be created in dealing with so many claims and reviews.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how adjudication officers will decide what activities blind and partially-sighted persons should undertake for the purposes of claims for disability living allowance and attendance allowance; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what provision is made for assistance for blind and partially-sighted people to undertake holidays and read books under guidelines set for disability living allowance and attendance allowance for adjudication officers.
§ Mr. HagueBlind and partially-sighted people may undertake any activity they wish including holidays and literary pursuits. The independent adjudication authorities have to decide whether it is reasonable to meet the cost of such activities through non means-tested benefits like disability living allowance and attendance allowance.