§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of (i) taxing and (ii) means-testing disability living allowance. [38994]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have concluded and made clear in the Green Paper, "New ambitions for our country: A new contract for welfare", that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) will remain universal, national benefits and as such they will not be subject to a means test. Taxation matters are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Green Paper does not include any proposals to tax DLA or AA.