HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 cc442-3W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the total number of recipients of (a) 10 per cent. (b) 20 per cent., (c) 30 per cent., (d) 40 per cent., (e) 50 per cent., (f) 60 per cent., (g) 70 per cent.,(h) 80 per cent., (i) 90 per cent. and (j) 100 per industrial disablement benefit.

Mr. Newton

In the year ending 30 September 1983 (the latest for which information is available), the numbers receiving disablement pensions at the levels specified were as follows:

Per cent. Disablement Beneficiaries
10 13,360
20 67,140
30 45,570

Per cent. Disablement Beneficiaries
40 21,950
50 10,880
60 6,360
70 3,700
80 2,220
90 800
100 3,660

In addition about 14,000 lump sums are estimated to have been awarded for disablement assessed at 10 per cent.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the average length of time for which 100 per cent. of industrial disablement benefit is paid.

Mr. Newton

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that special training is provided for his Department's officers handling disablement claims.

Mr. Major

Yes. The Department's Local Office staff currently receive, at the workplace, technical training on industrial disablement claims. Plans are well laid to supplement this with job aids and trainer instructions for the forthcoming changes. This additional training will also be concluded in the local office and will be conducted in advance of the implementation date.