To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to pay the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance to people with severe sight loss; and if he will make a statement. (176778)

To qualify for the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, a person must generally have a physical disablement which renders them unable or virtually unable to walk. I have met with representatives of the Royal National Institute for Blind People on their campaign to extend the higher rate component to certain people with severe sight loss. Officials from the Department are in discussion with the Royal National Institute for the Blind on the details of their proposals and the policy implications.