HC Deb 06 April 1998 vol 310 cc133-4W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research was undertaken by the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board for the report, The Future of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance; and if he will place a copy of this research in the Library. [37841]

Mr. Denham

The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board is an independent statutory body established by the Social Security Act 1991. The Chairman makes it clear in the foreword to the report that the Board based its recommendations on the in-depth study of over 5,000 cases relating to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance which it saw over a five year period from 1992. These covered a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions. The report was published on 12 March and a copy placed in the Library.

Mr. Goggins

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many times and on which matters the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board has been consulted by the Secretary of State since its formation in 1992. [37209]

Mr. Denham

Since its formation in 1992, the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board has been commissioned by the Secretary of State to undertake detailed studies and make recommendations on 23 different subjects across a wide range of medical conditions. Summaries of the completed studies on these subjects are published in the Board's Annual Reports. The Board also advises on individual cases referred by the Benefits Agency Medical Advisers, who are officers of the Secretary of State. In addition, it carries out other work as directed, including the recent analysis of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance cases as part of the Department's report "A Study of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Awards" which was published on 12 March.