§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many full-time medical advisers are employed by the Benefits Agency at Arden house, Newcastle;
598W(2) how many cases have been handled by Dr. Roger Bowmer and Dr. Sheila Hunter at Arden house, Newcastle medical centre for (a) all categories and (b) PD4 cases;
(3) what is the civil service salary grade payable to full-time medical advisers employed by the Benefits Agency medical section.
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of the Benefits Agency medical services is a matter for Michael Bichard the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Bill Etherington, dated 13 February 1995:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the number of Medical Advisers employed by the Benefits Agency at Arden House, Newcastle; the Civil Service salary grade payable to full time Medical Advisers employed by the Benefits Agency Services (BAMS); the number of cases handled by Dr. Roger Bowmer and Dr. Sheila Hunter for all categories and for PD D4.
In the BAMS at Arden House, Newcastle there are ten full-time Medical Advisers.
The salary scale payable to full time Medical Advisers in BAMS in the North East is between £28,213 (minimum) and £41,039 (maximum).
Information is not available relating specifically to the number of PD D4 cases handled by Dr. Bowmer and Dr. Hunter. However I have provided information relating to all categories at Annex A. Records relating to the number of cases handled are collated over differing periods.
I hope you find this reply helpful.
Annex A Dr. Hunter Dr. Bowmer 1 March 1994–31 January 1995 Medical advice on files relating to all prescribed diseases cases 410 250 March 1994–31 January 1995 Advice on files relating to all other benefits for which medical advice is requested (excluding invalidity benefit) 3,914 1,279 1 January 1994–31 January 1995 Examination sessions to give medical opinions on incapacity in claims for invalidity benefit (maximum—7 examinations per session) 41 74 1 October 1994–31 January 1995 Medical advice on files relating to claims for invalidity benefit 5,377 4,633