§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will describe the method or methods used in assessing disability; if he will review 393W the procedure to obtain a more accurate assessment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanThe procedure depends on the purpose for which the assessment is made. In the case of the Industrial Injuries scheme assessments are made by independent medical authorities, medical boards in the first instance and medical appeal tribunals on appeal, in accordance with the principles laid down in the Industrial Injuries Acts. The system has stood the test of time and I have no reason to believe that a better standard of assessments would be achieved by any other method.