§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue a circular to general practitioners clarifying their position if they still consider that a patient of theirs should refrain from work after a contrary decision of his Department's regional medical officers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiDecisions on incapacity for work are made by the independent statutory authorities, not by departmental medical officers.
After seeking an up-to-date report from the claimant's general practitioner, a medical officer of the Department will give an opinion on the question of incapacity; a copy of this is sent to the general practitioner. If he disagrees with the opinion, he will doubtless advise his patient accordingly and no guidance from my right hon. Friend is necessary.