§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the guidance given to the Benefits Agency in assessing the capacity for work for persons suffering from ME and similar diseases. [20140]
§ Mr. FieldDetailed guidance on the approach to assessing people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (commonly referred to as ME) and similar conditions where variability of severity of symptoms is a feature, is provided in the Incapacity Benefit Handbook issued to all Benefits Agency Medical Services doctors. The doctors are trained to take an overall view of someone's capacity for work taking into account the degree to which their conditions vary and the effects of pain and fatigue.
We are looking at all aspects of provision for sick and disabled people as a part of our comprehensive spending review. During the review we shall take care to think about the particular needs of different groups and to assess whether the benefit system is addressing these in the right way.