HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 c173W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of(a) a CT scan and (b) a chest x-ray when evidence is sought as to whether a person has an asbestos-related disease. [111703]

Mr. Bayley

There is no standard cost for either investigation. Claimants for an asbestos-related disease under the Industrial Injuries Scheme are referred to Medical Services for advice, which will often necessitate their taking and reporting upon plain chest radiographs. If a CT scan was felt to be necessary, Medical Services would provide one. In either case, Medical Services is recompensed for the investigations it supplies through its overall contract with the Benefits Agency, which does not specify fees for particular investigations.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will accept a privately-commissioned CT scan as evidence when a person is seeking to prove that he has an asbestos-related disease. [111686]

Mr. Bayley

Claimants for Social Security benefits may ask the decision maker to consider whatever evidence they wish to produce in support of their claims. The decision maker will consider any evidence upon its merits. This includes medical investigations carried out in the private sector.