Laryngectomy Patients

HC Deb 11 June 1998 vol 313 cc711-2W

Mr. Alan Johnson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will ensure that laryngectomy

Inquiry/review	Established	Chairman
War pensions: review of the scientific basis of the assessment of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss	June 1997	Sir Kenneth Caiman, Chief Medical Officer
Pension provision group	September 1997	Tom Ross, Aon Consulting

patients automatically qualify for disability benefits; what representations she has received on this issue; and if she will make a statement. [44389]

Mr. Denham

We have received no recent representations from people with laryngectomies or from any organisations representing laryngectomy patients.

Normal eligibility rules apply to people with laryngectomies who claim a disability benefit. Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance is based not on specific disabilities, but on the effects that a person's disability has on their need for help with personal care and/or mobility.