§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the representations from disability groups received by the Government during the consultation period before they proposed their changes to disability benefits advocated the abolition of severe disablement allowance. [61695]
§ Mr. Timms[Holding answer 30 November 1998]: The Green Paper "New ambitions for our country: a new contract for welfare" set out the general principles for welfare reform rather than specific proposals for reforming individual benefits.
We consulted widely following the publication of the paper in March. Over 1,050 responses were received from numerous organisations including organisations of and for disabled people, most of which welcomed our approach.
In October we published a consultation Paper "A new contract for welfare—Support for Disabled People" which contains proposals for the reform of Severe Disablement Allowance. We are consulting on these proposals and we will consider all comments and alternative proposals made as part of the consultation process. The consultation period ends on 8 January 1999.