§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance he has issued regarding the assessment of debilitation caused by myalgic encephalomyelitis in relation to incapacity for work benefit; and if he will make a statement. [28575]
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of Incapacity Benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Gordon McMaster, dated 19 June 1995:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the guidance that has been issued regarding the assessment of debilitation caused by myalgic encephalomyelitis in relation to incapacity for work benefit.No guidance has been issued as the basis of the new test of incapacity for work is the effect of a customer's medical condition on their ability to work and not the medical condition itself.The new test provides an assessment of the effect of the medical condition on the person's ability to carry out a range of work-related activities. All medical conditions are addressed and the Benefits Agency Medical Services doctors involved have been provided with detailed and comprehensive training in all physical, sensory and mental conditions.I hope you find this reply helpful.