§ 61. Mr. J. Morrisasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many steelworkers at Port Talbot who have claimed sick benefit have been requested to attend a medical examination by a doctor other than their own; how many in the latest convenient period since the commencement of the industrial dispute at Port Talbot have been visited by Ministry officials; and what delays have taken place in the payment of sickness benefit.
§ Mr. WoodBetween 23rd December and 20th January inclusive, 148 steelworkers were visited. All except 36, who were subsequently referred for an independent medical examination, received their sickness benefit promptly. Of the 36, benefit has been paid to 20 a little later—3½ days on average—than it would have been if there had been no doubt about incapacity for work.