HL Deb 06 June 1994 vol 555 cc66-7WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of any reason why applicants for invalidity and industrial injury benefits who are suffering the chronic effects of exposure to organophosphate sheep dips and other OP. pesticides are experiencing long delays in processing of their claims.

Viscount Astor

The administration of invalidity and industrial injuries benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the noble Lady.

Letter to the Countess of Mar from Mr. T. Laurance, Territorial and Benefits Director, the Benefits Agency, dated 6th June 1994:

The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Michael Bichard to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking Her Majesty's Government about delays in processing claims to invalidity and industrial injury benefits for the effects of exposure to organophosphate sheep dips and other OP pesticides. Mr. Bichard is on annual leave and I have therefore been asked to reply on his behalf.

As far as Invalidity Benefit (IVB) is concerned, delays can sometimes occur if the customer claims benefit but fails to satisfy the normal national insurance contribution conditions. In these cases the prescribed disease must be accepted as the cause of the incapacity for IVB to be payable. A delay can occur at this stage if there is a doubt that the incapacity does result from the prescribed disease.

With regard to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, although the Benefits Agency makes every effort to clear claims as quickly as possible we are not always able to bring such claims to as swift a conclusion as we would like. Firstly, it can be difficult to confirm that the actual substance mentioned was used in the customer's employment or, if it was, that it was a substance or agent falling within the description given in the regulations. In addition, it can take a considerable time to obtain the necessary medical evidence in these cases.

If there are any particular claims you are concerned about, I would be grateful if you could let Mr. Bichard have the details so that they can be investigated.