To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review benefits for carers in the light of the findings of his Department's research report "Social Security and Community Care: The Case of the Invalid Care Allowance"; and if he will make a statement.

Since the completion of the study we have introduced two improvements for carers. The ICA earnings limit has been increased twice—to £20 in April 1990 and to £30 in April this year. In October 1990 the carer premium in the income-related benefits was introduced and in October this year entitlement to the premium will be extended for up to eight weeks after caring ceases. We will continue to keep the needs of carers under review.