§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the advice given to doctors on when to make a report on form DS1500 so that they can take the initiative in informing patients or their representatives of the special benefit rules for the terminally ill. [64305]
§ Mr. TimmsEach pad of DS1500 forms already contains a set of guidance notes for the doctors who will complete the forms. This sets out the purpose of the form and the circumstances in which it should be used. In addition, a Bulletin was issued by the Department's Chief Medical Adviser in March 1997 to all general practitioners which explained the special rules for Disability Living Allowance for those people suffering from a terminal illness. This also explained the purpose of this form and the general practitioner's role in the process.
Consequently, we believe that sufficient guidance is already available to enable doctors to fulfil their part in this important benefit for a particularly vulnerable group of claimants. We have no reason to believe that the system is not working in the way in which it was intended.