§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has to why the necessary claims forms and assessment forms were not available on 1 October for obtaining attendance allowance under the new rules for people who are terminally ill; how many persons he estimates experienced delays as a result; who was responsible for the failure to provide the necessary forms on time; and what actions he has taken to remedy these problems.
§ Mr. ScottThe new forms for use by people claiming attendance allowance on grounds of terminal illness were distributed to local offices on 11 September. Supplies were also sent to carers' organisations and welfare rights groups by 22 September. The report forms for use by doctors were distributed during September and all GPs and other doctors likely to need them should have had access to one by 1 October.
Some delays in the distribution of these forms did occur due to a breakdown in communication between the Department and HMSO. Special arrangements were made to enable people to get supplies urgently and to ensure that claimants do not lose benefit due to delay in obtaining a form.