§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish such information as is available as to the effect and the volume of sickness claims, particularly short-term claims since the introduction of self-certification for the first week of an illness or incapacity to work; and if he will estimate the effect the change has had upon the work load of family medical practitioners.
§ Mr. RossiOver the six months following the introduction of self-certification in June 1982, claims have been running about 20 per cent. below claims in the388W corresponding period in 1981. Information as to the length of the claims made since June 1982 will not he available until later this year. The introduction of self-certification by itself will have led to a reduction in the number of statements issued by doctors.