Vol. 439 No. 7
94 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have applied for infectious disease maintenance allowance; the number of males and females who are presently receiving infectious disease maintenance allowance payments; the weekly amount being paid; the average length of each payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The infectious diseases maintenance allowance (IDMA) is payable, subject to a means test, to people undergoing treatment for TB and certain other infectious diseases. In 1992, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 61 applications for IDMA and 60 recipients as at 31 December, 1992. At present the maximum personal rate is £59.20 per week. The rest of the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, inquiries are being made with the Health Boards and I will communicate further with the Deputy in due course.
