§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to allow persons suffering from asbestosis or related ailments who are in receipt of income support or other social security incomes, to be provided with independent medical examinations free of charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottAn independent medical examination may be arranged, and paid for, by the Department where it is considered necessary for the purposes of determining entitlement to benefit. Reports of such examinations may be copied free of charge to claimants on request, to the extent that they do not contain harmful information. We have no plans to arrange other independent medical examinations free of charge.