§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 14 April to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith),Official Report, column 667, what estimate he has made of the number of people receiving benefits in respect of myalgic encephalomyelitis.
§ Mr. ScottThe information is not available. No specific estimate of the number of people receiving benefits in respect of myalgic encephalomyelitis has been made. In general incapacity and disablement benefits are payable on the effects of an illness or disability, and not on the condition itself.