§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to make changes in the system of payment of sickness benefit.
§ Mr. PrenticeMy right hon. Friend has no immediate proposals for changes to the sickness benefit scheme. However, the Government are reviewing this and other benefits to see whether economies and administrative improvements can be made.
§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has received of doctors signing certificates for sickness benefit for people who are fit for work.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have no evidence that doctors who believe patients to be capable of work are deliberately advising them to refrain from it. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I would be glad to look into it.