§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time taken for an examination of an invalidity benefit claimant by a regional medical officer in cases where the claimant is found (a) incapable of work, (b) incapable of normal occupation but capable of suitable alternative work and (c) not capable of work; what is the average length of time in each of these categories for completion of the medical examination; and what is the average length of time in each of these categories for completing the medical report.
§ Mr. LyellThe last full year for which figures are available show that the Department's regional medical service held 33,335 sessions at which claimants to invalidity benefit were medically examined. A total of 206,824 claimants were examined at these sessions—an average of 6.2 claimants per session. A period of two and a half hours is allowed for each session but arrangements are flexible and this time is exceeded if necessary. This means that in the year in question, approximately 24 minutes were available to examine and report on each702W case. Figures for the amount of time spent on examination and completing reports are not kept separately. The time spent on individual cases will vary depending on their complexity. The time spent on cases classified by their outcome is not available.