§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what guidance is being given to adjudication officers in the period when the guidance on myalgic encephalomyelitis is being re-drafted; [10767]
(2) what monitoring of the decisions of adjudication officers in respect of benefit claims made by people affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis is being undertaken by his Department. [10766]
§ Mr. BurtAdvice to adjudication officers on myalgic encephalomyelitis is contained in the disability handbook. This is currently being redrafted following discussions with the ME Association. In the meantime, adjudication officers are using existing guidance, but have been advised that they must consider all the evidence in the case to support their decision. Monitoring is undertaken on a random basis. Cases selected which involve myalgic encephalomyelitis are checked to ensure adjudication officers have taken this advice into account.
§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the number of claims made for(a) incapacity benefit and (b) the disability living allowance by claimants who suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis since the inception of the scheme; [10832]
(2) how many claims for (a) incapacity benefit and (b) disability living allowance made by claimants who suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis have been refused in each month since the inception of each scheme. [10765]