§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement concerning delays in the introduction of the new disability living allowance and the financial difficulties caused to those people who previously claimed disability benefit.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many applications for disability living allowance(a) have been referred for a medical examination by the adjudication officer in order to assess the claim and (b) have included a request from the claimant for a medical examination;
(2) what was the number of applications received by his Department for disability living allowance where the form was completed through the benefits inquiry line completion service; and what was the number and percentage of these resulting in an award of (a) higher-rate care component, (b) middle-rate care component, (c) lower-rate care component, (d) higher-rate mobility component and (e) lower-rate mobility component; and how many were refused.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.