HC Deb 19 December 1980 vol 996 cc335-6W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will arrange for form BS 25 to be revised to warn claimants that appeals to the local tribunal should be made in writing to arrive within 21 days from the date of the dispatch of the form; and if he will also ensure that greater efforts are made to make the appeals procedure clearer to claimants.

Mr. Prentice

The wording of form BS 25 does not seem to have caused undue difficulties during the many years it has been in use, but we are always concerned to make our procedures clear to claimants and if the right hon. Gentleman has a particular circumstance in mind I would be pleased to have the details. From 24 November 1980, the time limit for making an appeal has been extended from 21 days to 28 days.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to revise form BF 130 to include the information that, if medical certificates are submitted, benefit will continue to be paid by Giro and that a second examination is likely to take place after which the insurance officer decision on entitlement to benefit will be given.

Mr. Prentice

No. To do so would pre-empt decisions of the independent adjudicating authorities, which may not require further medical advice before reaching a decision.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in order to avoid anxiety amongst claimants, he will arrange for forms RM3 and RM3a to be revised to state clearly the relationship between the district medical officer and the local office, the nature and purpose of the examination and its possible consequences; and whether he will institute a review of the regional medical service procedures for examining claimants for invalidity benefit.

Mr. Prentice

No. I am satisfied that these forms are sufficiently clear for their purpose, and I am not aware that they cause undue anxiety. My right hon. Friend has no plans to review the regional medical service procedures for examining claimants for invalidity benefit.