HC Deb 05 November 1996 vol 284 cc450-2W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is given to doctors by the Benefits Agency medical services regarding the conduct of all work tests for incapacity benefit; what is the time estimated for each test; what medical examinations, tests or procedures are undertaken during the test; what account is taken of(a) general practitioners' and (b) consultants' reports as part of the test; and what monitoring is undertaken of the doctors who carry out the tests. [1350]

Mr. Burt

The administration of incapacity benefit is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr George Foulkes, dated 4 November 1996: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what guidance is given to doctors by the Benefits Agency Medical Services regarding the conduct of the All Work Tests for Incapacity Benefit (IB), what is the time estimated for each test; what medical examinations, tests or procedures arc undertaken during the test; what account is taken of (a) general practitioners' and (b) consultants' reports as part of the test; and what monitoring is undertaken of the doctors who carry out the tests. All doctors, who are already experienced in this area of work, undergo four days of theoretical training plus one supervised examination session. and have to demonstrate a satisfactory standard before being approved by the Secretary of State to carry out IB assessments. This training covers in detail all aspects of carrying out All Work Test assessments. In addition to the training, all doctors are issued with a copy of the "IB Handbook for Medical Services Doctors", which acts as an aide memoir on the contents of the training course. A copy of this publication is available in the Library of the House of Commons. A national study of examination session timings carried out in May 1996 has shown that the average time for an All Work Test assessment by a BAMS doctor is 47 minutes. This includes time spent interviewing and examining the customer and writing the report. For an All Work Test assessment, the doctor gathers whatever evidence is appropriate to enable him or her to make an objective and impartial assessment of the customers abilities and a limitations in all the functional areas relevant to their disabling condition. This evidence will usually include interviewing the customer about their perception of the effects of their condition on their ability to carry out everyday activities; observation of the customers behaviour at the examination centre; and formal clinical examination of the relevant system or part of the body. The BAMS doctor's role for the All Work Test is to provide an independent impartial assessment of the customer based on their clinical judgement taking into account evidence provided by the customer, their own doctor and their consultant, where available. It is the Adjudication Officer who, in deciding entitlement to benefit, will take into account all available evidence, including any from the client's GP or consultant. Following initial training, the first three assessments carried out by the BAMS doctor are monitored, and must reach a satisfactory standard for the doctor to be approved to carry out IB assessments. The work of all doctors is subsequently monitored by BAMS; monitoring is by random or targeted study of completed reports, and also in response to any work returned by Adjudication Officers as being of an unsatisfactory standard. I hope you find this reply helpful.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what written representations he has received from(a) clients, (b) legal representatives, (c) hon. Members and (d) others regarding all work tests and incapacity benefit at the Ayr benefit office for the most recently available 12-month period. [1345]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

One representation has been received from an hon. Member.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many written representations he has received from hon. Members regarding all work tests and incapacity benefit in respect of each Benefit Agency office in Scotland for the most recently available 12-month period. [1344]

Mr. Mitchell

Eleven representations have been received from hon. Members between November 1995 and 17 October 1996.