§ 19. Mr. Pooleasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the average length of time taken by his Department to replace lost sickness payment books; the length of time taken by his Sutton Coldfield office; and the reason for the difference.
§ Mr. PeakeI regret that the information is not available. If the hon. Member96W has a particular case in mind and will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made.
Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of men who submitted first certificates for sickness benefit during December, 1954, at the Ystradgynlais office, together with the number of such claimants who were refused benefit; the number who appealed against the decision of the insurance officer; the number asked to furnish additional medical evidence; the number visited by his officers; the number referred to the regional medical officer; the number who declared off before the examination and the number found to be capable of work.
§ Mr. Peake597 first certificates were submitted (by men and women) in the five-week period 1st December, 1954, to 4th January, 1955. In 17 of these immediate reference was made to the regional medical officer, and in one a visit was paid by an officer of my Ministry; 12 of these claimants declared off before examination by the regional medical officer, and two were found on examination to be capable of work. Seven out of the 17 claimants were subsequently disallowed by the insurance officer and six of them appealed to the local tribunal. In three of these cases the Insurance officer reviewed his original decision in the light of further evidence and the remaining three dis-allowances were confirmed by the tribunal. In no case was a claimant asked to furnish additional medical evidence.