HC Deb 07 November 1980 vol 991 cc690-1W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time for which people are on sickness and invalidity benefit; and how this compares with the average time on a similar date in each of the previous five years.

Mrs. Chalker

[pursuant to the reply, 9 July, c. 205–6]: The following tables show the mean and median durations of sickness and invalidity benefit spells terminating in 1977–78 and 1978–79. The estimates are derived from samples (2 per cent. for 1977–78 and 1 per cent. for 1978–79) and are therefore subject to sampling error which could affect the mean values in particular.

to clarify the law so that any registered medical practitioners practising in the United Kingdom shall have a duty to show evidence of competence in the English language in any proceedings involving their practice.

Sir George Young

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

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