HC Deb 28 February 1994 vol 238 cc644-5
16. Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he expects to lose entitlement to invalidity benefit as a result of the measures introduced in the November 1993 Budget.

Mr. Scott

We estimate that, as a result of our proposals, an average of 130,000 fewer people will receive long-term incapacity benefit in 1995–96 than would have received invalidity benefit.

Mrs. Campbell

Is the Minister aware that many people who suffer from acute anxiety and depressive illnesses receive income support and that for them a game of squash might be part of the treatment? That is a reference to the hon. Member for City of Chester (Mr. Brandreth). Will the Minister please give some assurances to those people whose worries about the Government's plans are making their depressive illness worse? Will he reassure them that his plans will not reduce their benefits arbitrarily and suddenly?

Mr. Scott

Our clear intention is to ensure that those who are incapable of work through either physical or mental disability receive incapacity benefit and that those who are capable of work receive back-to-work benefits. I can give the hon. Lady an undertaking that, in the objective medical test, special arrangements will be made to take account of mental incapacity.

Mr. Bates

Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents who are existing beneficiaries of invalidity benefit that if they are genuinely incapable of work they will suffer no loss of benefit whatever and that the benefit will retain its tax-free status? Will he reject and condemn the scaremongering of the Labour party that has suggested otherwise?

Mr. Scott

I will give my hon. Friend that assurance. At the point of change to the new system, there will be no cash losers, as long as people are able to pass the new, objective medical test.

Mr. Nicholas Brown

If benefit records are held at the Long Benton complex in my constituency of Newcastle, East, why has the Minister allowed a local manager to purchase 22 Olympic jackets to keep senior management warm, at a cost of more than £300 a jacket? Would not the money have been better spent on—

Madam Speaker

Order. I am surprised at the hon. Gentleman. That matter does not relate to the question.