§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity reviews were undertaken in each of the last five years; and what the average time was to complete these reviews in each year. [70836]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe medical assessment procedure involves several stages including gathering information from the person and their GP or other health care professional and arranging and carrying out examinations. The most recent study of a sample of cases found that on average the whole process took 11.4 weeks where entitlement was confirmed and 17.5 weeks where benefit was withdrawn. The available information on the number of medical examinations carried out is in the table.
Number of medical examinations Year Number of medical examinations 19991 432,210 2000 372,934 2001 455,454 Source:
Figures are taken from IMPACT 100 per cent. counts.
Notes:
1. Figures for the number of medical examinations performed are not available until the beginning of April 1999. Therefore, figures for the period 1 January to 31 March 1999 have been estimated.
2. Figures include Severe Disablement Allowance.