HC Deb 17 May 1993 vol 225 cc75-7W
Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have lost their entitlement to invalidity benefit since the recent changes in the guidance from the chief adjudication officer to adjudication officers; and what the figures for entitlement for a comparable period were in each of the last five years.

Mr. Scott

Information is not yet available. Comparisons with earlier are not possible.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes there have been in recent months in the guidance from the chief adjudication officer to adjudication officers in relation to procedures for the review of invalidity benefit entitlement; who instigated this change; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

I understand that the independent chief adjudication officer has issued guidance this year on the effects of the Social Security Commissioner's decision in cases CS 27/91 and the effects of the revised incapacity benefit medical control procedures which were introduced by the Department and took full effect from 1 April 1993.