HC Deb 10 December 2001 vol 376 cc615-6W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that examining medical officers acting on behalf of his Department are familiar with the problems of deaf people. [20791]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

[holding answer 6 December 2001]: All Medical Services doctors are trained to assess deafness in connection with medical examinations for benefit claims. They are trained to evaluate the effects of deafness, as measured by a person's ability to hear and understand the spoken voice, on activities of daily living.

A training module on "Sensory Impairment" will be delivered to all Medical Services doctors within the next nine months, as part of the Continuing Professional Education training programme. The module will update and reinforce previous training on assessment of people with hearing and/or visual impairment. It will draw doctors' attention to the communication problems experienced by deaf people, and to the need for effective communication between the doctor and the deaf person, through use of a sign language interpreter when appropriate.

Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to ensure that only qualified sign language interpreters are used during medical assessments for deaf people who claim disability living allowance. [22030]

Maria Eagle

Medical Services' existing procedures provide for a professional interpreter service for people with hearing difficulties. Where problems arise advice is sought from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf s helpline. However, some people may prefer to have a friend, relation or colleague to act as an interpreter.

Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many profoundly deaf people are panel members of the Appeals Service. [22028]

Maria Eagle

The information is not available. Last year the Appeals Service completed a Diversity Audit of service provision, including the support given to the tribunal members. The audit highlighted the fact that there was insufficient data on the particular needs of panel members. In order to collect this information the Appeals Service is currently undertaking a disability survey of all appeals tribunal members. The results will be available in the new year.

Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to undertake research into the take-up of disability living allowance among deaf people. [22029]

Maria Eagle

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell), on 6 December 2001,Official Report, column 511W.