§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any changes have been made in relation to the award of credits for incapacity for United Kingdom citizens residing in another European Community country but not eligible for an incapacity benefit; if any charges for certificates of incapacity required by his Department will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyIf a national of a European Community country, who was last compulsorily insured for social security purposes in the United Kingdom is living in another EC country and submits medical evidence of incapacity to the Department, credits will be awarded as518W if he/she is still living here. This has been the situation since April 1973 when the Community regulations on social security for migrant workers took effect. However, there was a period between July 1982 and February 1984 when the Department suspended the award of credits in these types of cases because there was some doubt about the legal position. This has now been resolved and the Department has written to everyone affected by the suspension explaining that credits will be awarded. If the right hon. Member knows of anyone in this position who has not been told, perhaps he would let me know and I will arrange for the matter to be investigated.
As far as charges are concerned no reimbursement is made of any charges for medical evidence of incapacity required by the Department. However, if a United Kingdom citizen is claiming credits whilst resident in the EC, the Department accepts medical evidence for as long a period as possible, thereby minimising any costs to the claimant.