§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider introducing independent multi-disciplinary panels, including a psychiatrist, social worker or other professional with experience of mental health problems, for assessing severe disablement allowance claims by mentally ill or handicapped persons.
§ Mr. NewtonNo. The level of disablement for severe disablement allowance is assessed by the adjudicating medical authorities in accordance with criteria similar to those already used in the industrial injuries and war pensions schemes. These authorities will aim to build up a complete picture of the claimant's condition, based on statements provided by him and those who care for him and, where necessary, information from other sources, including doctors' reports and hospital case-notes.
Most mental handicap is present from birth or the early development years and people so affected can normally expect to qualify for severe disablement allowance before age 20 on a test of incapacity for work alone.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what specific steps he is taking to ensure that adjudicating medical practitioners deciding severe disablement allowance claims receive thorough instruction in assessing disabilities as well as periodic refresher courses.
§ Mr. NewtonAdjudicating medical practitioners already have long experience of assessing a wide range of 215W disabilities on claims arising in the industrial injuries and war pensions schemes. Specific guidance on severe disablement allowance has been made available to them in the form of a draft handbook. This is currently being revised in the light of the many helpful comments received from voluntary organisations representing disabled people and will eventually be published. Adjudicating medical practitioners dealing with claims for the new benefit have also received guidance, either in groups at specially arranged sessions, or by acting as a member of a medical board chaired by a colleague from our full-time medical staff. The need for further guidance will be kept under close review.