HC Deb 22 February 1995 vol 255 cc247-8W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claimants were awarded(a) weekly industrial disablement benefit and (b) reduced earnings allowance in each of the last six years for which figures are available in the North Tyneside district.

(2) how many claims for industrial disablement benefit and reduced earnings allowance were allowed in each of the last six years for which figures are available; and what were the total amounts of (a) lump sum back payments and (b) gratuities awarded in each year in the North Tyneside district.

Mr. Hague

The administration of industrial injuries benefit and reduced earnings allowance is a matter for Mr. 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. Stephen Byers, dated 21 February 1995: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about awards of Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit (IIDB) and Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA) in the North Tyneside District. Information about awards of IIDB and REA is not available for all of the past six years because collection of the data did not begin until October 1991; the information that is available has been provided at Annex A. The figures for 1991–92 cover a period of 5 months and the figures for 1994–95 cover a period of 10 months, that being the year to date. Information about lump sum back payments and gratuities is not readily available and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. I hope you find this reply helpful.

Annex A: Industrial injury disablement benefit and reduced earnings allowance claims at the North Tyneside district
Year IIDB REA
1991–92 159 71
1992–93 219 103
1993–94 139 111
1994–95 166 93

Note:

1. These figures are provisional and are subject to amendment.