§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what evaluation has been made by his Department of the physical and organic nature of myalgic encephalomyelitis, and of differences from other chronic fatigue syndromes, in his setting of guidelines for benefit support;
665W(2) what disability benefits are available for sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis who are required to take off extensive periods from work as part of a recovery programme.
§ Mr. ScottThe Department accepts that there may be a physical and organic basis for the condition known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It may well be that only a small proportion of people with chronic fatigue syndromes meet criteria which have been used to describe ME as a distinct entity. Although there may be aetiological differences between ME and other chronic fatigue syndromes, their disabling effects and the needs arising from them are often similar.
Eligibility for receipt of disability or incapacity benefits does not depend upon the person being affected by a particular disease or diagnosis, but on the disabling effects of the clinical condition and the care and mobility needs which arise from them; or the effect of the disablement or illness on the capacity for work.
A wide range of benefits is available to sick and disabled people, including sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis, provided they meet the conditions of entitlement.