§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the impact on general practitioners of assisting disabled people to remain in work or move onto benefits; and if he will make a statement. [60165]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 17 November 1998]: We are considering how best general practitioners can contribute to assisting disabled people to remain in work. The National Priorities Guidance for 1999–2002 included as a national priority
promoting independence-to ensure the provision of services which help adults achieve and sustain the maximum independence in their lives, including, for those of working age, their capacity to take up, remain in or return to employment".Statutory Agencies in health and social care will need to consider this priority in setting out their policies. We are discussing with other departments the implications for primary care of policies such as the New Deal for Disabled People and the "single gateway".