§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claims for mucous membrane disease were made to his Department in the northern region in the two years prior to the take-up campaign of April 1992; and how many claims have been made since April 1992;
(2) what general guidance his Department has issued since 1992 to (a) regional chief medical officers, (b) adjudicating medical authorities and (c) medical appeal tribunals, as to what is considered the appropriate loss of faculty in considering cases of mucous membrane disease.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of industrial injuries disablement benefit 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 a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from David Riggs to Mr. Bill Etherington, dated 31 March 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is the responsibility of Michael Bichard to answer questions about relevant operational matters. However, as Mr. Bichard is away at the moment I am replying on his behalf to your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking (i) how many claims for mucous membrane disease were made to his Department in the Northern Region in the two years prior to the take up campaign of April 1992; and how many claims have been made since April 1992 (ii) what general guidance his Department has issued since 1992 to (a) regional chief medical officers, (b) adjudicating medical authorities and (c) medical appeal tribunals, as to what is considered the appropriate loss of faculty in cases of mucous membrane disease.
Figures relating to the number of claims to mucous membrane disease(D4) prior to April 1992 are not available, as figures relating to individual prescribed diseases are not routinely kept, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, as a result of a special exercise undertaken by the Department following the take up campaign I am able to tell you that from June 1992 until the end of February this year 4,146 claims had been received for Prescribed Disease D4 in the Tyne Tees Area.
In answer to your second question; the Department issues "Notes on the Diagnosis of Prescribed Diseases", to the senior medical officers who organize the training of Adjudicating Medical Authorities. Copies of this guidance have been placed in the Library. These adjudicating authorities must make up their own minds on the evidence of particular cases. Medical Appeal Tribunals (MATs) operate independently of the Department as part of the Independent Tribunal Service and the Secretary of State does not issue guidance on such matters to MATs.
I hope that you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.