To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the cost of enabling people who qualify for the lower rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance before the age of 65 years to receive the higher rate if their mobility needs increase after that age; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 6 December 1990]: The extent to which those qualifying for the lower rate of the mobility component would be likely to become entitled to the higher rate after reaching age 65 cannot be predicted with certainty. It is estimated, however, that the eventual cost would be in the order of up to £20 million a year.