To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he has assessed the effect of erythropoletic porphyria on the mobility of children;(2) if he will widen the criteria for mobility allowance so as to include those unable to walk in daylight because of the disorder congenital erythropoletic porphyria.
[holding answers 3 May 1990]: We are aware of the recent representations made on behalf of a child suffering from this disorder. Apart from the recent extension we have made to deaf-blind people, the current criteria for award of mobility allowance do not provide for people who are able to walk but are restricted in the extent to which they can use this ability. We have no current plans to extend these criteria to meet the effects of particular disorders. I have written to the right hon. Member about the particular case which I believe underlies his concern.