HC Deb 08 April 1986 vol 95 cc67-8W
Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria are used by his Department's medical boards to assess the level of disability of persons claiming disablement benefit who suffer vibration-induced white finger.

Mr. Newton

In claims for vibration white finger, as for other prescribed diseases, the assessment of disablement is made by independent medical boards. Using their professional skills and judgment, they compare the claimant with a physically and mentally normal person of the same age and sex. The effect of the occupational disease on any other condition present is also taken into account.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage disability was awarded for each person granted disablement benefit as a consequence of vibration-induced white finger; and where on the Pelmear/Taylor scale each claimant's vibration white finger was placed during the last 12 month period for which statistics were available.

Mr. Newton

Assessments in the period of 1 April 1985 to 26 March 1986 were as follows:

Per cent. disablement Number of successful claim
1 29
2 32
3 21
4 3
5 22
6 1
7 5
Per cent. disablement Number of successful claim
10 7
12 1
15 2
20 2
*— 29
154
* Not yet available.

Claimants' scores on the Pelmear/Taylor scale are not recorded.