HC Deb 13 December 1995 vol 268 cc668-9W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the latest estimates of the proportion of(a) incapacity benefit claimants receiving all work test questionnaires who fail to return them, (b) those returning questionnaires who fail to attend for medical examination, (c) medical examinations for the purpose of the all work test which result in the claimant being found capable of work, (d) those failing the all work test who appeal and (e) such appeals which succeed or are superseded by a decision in favour of the appellant. [3462]

Mr. Burt

The information available is in the table.

13 April to 31 October
Disallowed for failure to return questionnaire (IB50)without good cause 3,268
Disallowed for failure to attend medical examination without good cause 613
Found capable of work following all work test 28,597
Appeals lodged with ITS 8,882
Successful appeals at hearing 146
Superseded by adjudication officer 335

The data reflects activity during a time when the take-on of cases has been carefully controlled to match capacity as experience of the new procedures grows. It is not representative and it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of the new procedures.

Notes:

1. Figures include only Incapacity Benefit claimants and are subject to change.