HC Deb 13 June 2000 vol 351 cc610-1W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to recognise agoraphobia within the eligibility rules for Disability Living Allowance. [125712]

Mr. Bayley

Eligibility for Disability Living Allowance is based on a person's needs, and not on recognition of their specific medical condition. However, guidance available to decision makers includes agoraphobia as a potentially disabling condition, and the eligibility criteria for the lower rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, need for guidance or supervision on unfamiliar routes, may be of particular relevance for people suffering from agoraphobia.