HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 cc125-6W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people with(a) learning disabilities and (b) mental health problems are expected to have their disability living allowance mobility component (i) reduced or (ii) withdrawn when in hospital in (x) 1996–97, (y) 1997–98 and (z) 1998–99. [11997]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

[holding answer 26 January 1996]: The information is not available in the format requested. It is estimated that, between 1996 and 1999, some 20,000 to 25,000 people with a learning disability or mental health problem will have their disability living allowance mobility component reduced or withdrawn when in hospital.

Note:

These estimates are provisional and subject to change.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposal for the removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance on the ability of long-stay patients in hospitals and homes for the mentally ill to re-establish themselves in the community; and if he will make a statement. [14072]

Mr. Mitchell

The proposals concern payability of, rather than entitlement to, the mobility component of disability living allowance. Provided the conditions of entitlement continued to be met, payment would be reinstated on a person's discharge from hospital. Payments would also be made at a daily rate for short periods of hospital leave.