HC Deb 16 December 1996 vol 287 cc479-80W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in(a) hospitals and (b) community homes in the NHS have had their mobility allowance withdrawn or reduced since the introduction of the benefit. [9306]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

Prior to the changes to legislation governing payment of the mobility component of disability living allowance to people in hospital, the mobility component was not affected by admittance to hospital or similar institutions.

Some 7,000 people were affected by the withdrawal of mobility component of disability living allowance when the changes were introduced on 31 July. It is not possible to identify separately those in hospital and similar institutions.

Information regarding the numbers subsequently affected by withdrawal of the mobility component is not yet available.