| Previous Section | Home Page |
Disability Benefits
Mr. Flynn : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many (a) new disability living allowance claims and (b) top-up claims have been refused, broken down by the reasons for refusal, in each month since February 1992 at each disability benefit centre and for the country as a whole.
Mr. Scott : The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard the chief executive of the benefits agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 15 June 1993.
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many (a) new disability living allowance claims and (b) top-up claims have been refused, broken down by the reasons for refusal, in each month since February 1992 at each disability benefit centre and for the country as a whole.
Firstly, it may be helpful for me to say at this stage that new Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claims are dealt with by the regional Disability Benefit Centres (DBCs) and top-up claims are dealt with by the Claims Conversion Unit (CCU).
Annex A shows a breakdown of the number of DLA claims that have been refused, and the reasons for refusal by DBC since February 1992.
A breakdown of refusals on top-up claims by DBC is not available. However, Annex B details the number of top-up claims that have been refused by the CCU, and the reasons for refusal.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.
Column 623
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 623
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 623
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 623
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 625
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 625
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 627
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 627
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 627
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 629
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 629
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 631
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 631
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 631
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 631
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 633
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 633
Annex B: Refusals on top up claims for DLA for Great Britain
MobA AA
Beneficiaries Beneficiaries
Medical Lay Medical Lay Grounds
Month |Grounds|Grounds|Grounds|Age |Other |Total
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
February |11 |0 |4 |0 |0 |15
March |106 |0 |62 |8 |0 |176
April |478 |0 |100 |1 |0 |579
May |1,240 |3 |211 |1 |2 |1,457
June |2,597 |19 |393 |1 |7 |3,017
July |3,882 |22 |523 |4 |4 |4,435
August |5,896 |5 |736 |18 |2 |6,657
September |5,690 |7 |713 |1 |2 |6,413
October |4,441 |18 |905 |9 |10 |5,383
November |2,592 |8 |578 |1 |2 |3,181
December |2,269 |7 |356 |4 |2 |2,638
Others<1> |1,813 |5 |481 |82 |3 |2,384
1993
January |1,907 |6 |446 |58 |0 |2,417
February |2,073 |18 |425 |35 |1 |2,552
March |2,215 |27 |480 |19 |4 |2,745
April |1,869 |25 |581 |25 |5 |2,505
May |1,055 |0 |315 |14 |1 |1,385
|--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |---
Total |40,134 |170 |7,309 |281 |45 |47,939
<1> These cases were decided in 1992 but the exact month is not
known.
Figures are for cases cleared by a scan of the database during
December 1992.
Column 634
Sir John Hannam : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) whether the Benefits Agency has now completed its report on the differences in adjudication standards between disability benefit centres ;
Column 635
(2) what steps the Benefits Agency has taken to ensure consistency in adjudication decisions on disability living allowance between disability benefits centres.Mr. Scott : The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Sir John Hannam, dated 15 June 1993.
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking (i) whether the Benefits Agency has now completed its report on the differences in adjudication standards between Disability Benefits Centres and (ii) what steps the Benefits Agency has taken to ensure consistency in adjudication decisions on Disability Living Allowance between Disability Benefits Centres.
A study concerning standards of adjudication in Disability Benefits Centres is still in progress and findings are not expected to become available until late August 1993. Thereafter, recommendations will be carefully analysed before any changes are implemented.
The aim of the study is to assess standards of adjudication, including variations, across the Disability Benefits Centres and the main Disability Living Allowance Unit(s) at Blackpool. It includes a physical examination of casework, research among staff and an analysis of data arising from Review and Appeals activities. I hope that you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.
National Insurance
Mr. Nicholas Brown : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has as to how many people below the basic rate income tax threshold will pay more national insurance contributions during the 1994-95 financial year as a result of the changes announced in the Budget.
Mr. Hague [pursuant to his reply, 7 June 1993, column 140] : The following information was incorrect :
"It is estimated that in 1994-95 about million people whose earnings fall below the basic rate income tax threshold will pay slightly more in national insurance contributions."
The correct information is as follows :
It is estimated that in 1994-95 about 2 million people whose earnings fall below the threshold for basic rate income tax of 25 per cent. will pay slightly more in national insurance contributions.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Human Rights
16. Dr. Wright : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support proposals for an international human rights tribunal.
Mr. Hurd : The world conference on human rights will review the range of international mechanisms for the protection of human rights. We understand that there may be a proposal for an international human rights tribunal. We will give careful consideration to this, and to all other matters before the conference.
Column 636
Israel
17. Mr. Evennett : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications he has received from Arab countries about their willingness to call off the Arab trade boycott of Israel.
Mr. Hurd : The response by Arab countries to numerous approaches on this subject--including an EC demarche--has been uneven. There has been no collective formal response. But there is evidence that some relaxations have been made and the Kuwait Government have this month signalled their intention to discontinue the application of the boycott to third countries. We shall continue to press Arab Governments on this.
25. Mr. Nigel Evans : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to meet the Israeli Foreign Minister to discuss matters pertaining to the peace process.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has no immediate plans to meet the Israeli Foreign Minister.
Hong Kong
18. Mr. Jonathan Evans : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the Governor of Hong Kong to discuss relations with China.
Mr. Goodlad : We keep in the closest touch with the governor of Hong Kong about our discussions with the Chinese authorities on Hong Kong. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I will next meet the governor when he comes to London on 30 of June for one of his regular visits for consultations. As is customary, the governor will also have discussions with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister as well as other Ministers and senior officials.
South Africa
19. Sir David Knox : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards the holding of multiracial elections in South Africa.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : The Negotiating Council has agreed on an election date of 27 April 1994, subject to ratification by the larger negotiating forum on 25 June.
29. Mr. Robert Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with parties involved in constitutional negotiations in South Africa.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs held useful talks with Nelson Mandela and Chief Buthelezi during their recent visits to London.
Pakistan
20. Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from the Pakistani authorities concerning the progress of the police investigations into the murder of Mohammed Afzal in Juarah village, Pakistan, on 4 October 1992.
Column 637
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : The high commission in Islamabad has still not had a full report from the Pakistan authorities about the murder of Mohammed Afzal. It has, however, been told by the Pakistan police that the men accused of the murder have been declared "permanent absconders". The high commission will stay in close touch with the Pakistan authorities.
Angola
21. Mr. Cryer : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to put pressure on UNITA to abide by the terms of the Bicesse accord and the Angolan election results.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : We have actively supported United Nations efforts to secure a dialogue between UNITA and the Angolan Government leading to a ceasefire and full implementation of the Bicesse peace accords.
Mongolia
22. Mr. Flynn : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has to improve relationships between the United Kingdom and Mongolia.
Mr. Goodlad : Relations with Mongolia are very good. January marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Last year saw the introduction of a bilateral aid programme for Mongolia of £2.7 million over three years. This is aimed at helping the Mongolians with their economic reform programme, which is being carried out in the face of considerable hardship. A bilateral cultural exchange programme, renewed on 11 June, will facilitate cultural and academic contacts and exchanges, English language teaching and joint research projects. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, accompanied by Commander Timothy Laurence, RN, will visit Mongolia from 11 to 14 July. A bilateral round table meeting is scheduled to take place in Britain this October.
Cambodia
23. Mr. Luff : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the political situation in Cambodia ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Goodlad : We welcome the successful holding of elections in Cambodia last month and congratulate UNTAC on its preparation and conduct. The result is a clear sign that the Cambodian people want to decide their own future. We are encouraging the successful parties to work together constructively to facilitate the emergence of a new Government after a constitution has been adopted.
34. Rev. Martin Smyth : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Cambodia following the elections.
Mr. Goodlad : The high turnout of the Cambodian electorate (89 per cent.) in the elections to the Constituent Assembly last month is a clear sign that the Cambodian people want to decide their own future. We are committed to recognising the results when they are certified as free and fair. Under the terms of the Paris agreements, the
Column 638
newly elected Constituent Assembly will draft and approve a new constitution before transforming itself into a legislative assembly which will form a new Cambodian Government. This is due to take place within three months. Meanwhile we are encouraging the successful parties to work together constructively to facilitate the emergence of a new Government.Bosnia
24. Mr. Mike O'Brien : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals to secure an end to the conflict in Bosnia.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : The Washington agreement of 22 May set out the immediate steps to be taken by the international community to effectively tackle the conflict in Bosnia. It is intended to help establish conditions for a lasting and equitable settlement, in accordance with the principles of the Vance-Owen peace plan, to the appalling conflict in Bosnia. Some of these steps have already been achieved, for example the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolutions on safe areas in Bosnia and the creation of a war crimes tribunal. Action continues within the United Nations and NATO to follow up other elements of the Washington agreement. Lord Owen and Mr. Stoltenberg are continuing their negotiations with great determination.
32. Mr. Raynsford : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is proposing to take to restore the territorial integrity of Bosnia.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : United Nations Security Council resolution No. 836 reaffirms the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the responsibility of the Security Council in this regard. The principles of the Vance-Owen peace plan for Bosnia provide the framework for securing this.
Mr. Watson : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what means, following the Washington agreement, he envisages the implementation of the Vance-Owen plan for Bosnia.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : The principles contained within the Vance-Owen peace plan provide the framework for securing a political settlement to the conflict in Bosnia. The Washington agreement of 22 May established a series of immediate steps to alleviate the suffering on the ground while work continues to find a lasting and fair political settlement.
Mr. Wareing : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to President Izetbegovic in respect of Bosnian Muslim breaches in the ceasefires and the destruction of Croat villages by his forces in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mr. Goodlad [holding answer 14 June 1993] : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met Bosnian President Izetbegovic on 14 June. One of the issues that they discussed was the recent Bosnian-Muslim offensive in central Bosnia, particularly around Travnik. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State underlined our concern at reports of Muslim brutality and ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Croats,
Column 639
and urged President Izetbegovic to order an end to this offensive and begin implementation of the Vance-Owen peace plan.Global Security
26. Mr. Gapes : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to visit the United Nations to discuss global security.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs expects to visit the United Nations to attend the United Nations General Assembly general debate in September. No dates have yet been fixed.
Exports Promotion
28. Mr. Congdon : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will detail measures his Department takes to promote United Kingdom exports overseas.
Mr. Goodlad : It is a key objective of the Department to promote United Kingdom exports. Seventeen per cent. of frontline diplomatic staff and 48 per cent. of senior locally engaged staff working in 196 missions overseas are employed full-time on this task. In total, nearly a quarter of frontline diplomatic staff time (calculated on the basis of regular returns from posts) is expended on commercial work.
Middle East
30. Mr. Carrington : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards peace in the middle east.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : Another round of bilateral negotiations between the parties is beginning in Washington this week. There were encouraging signs at the end of the last round in May that the Israelis and Palestinians were beginning to address in detail issues of substance. We continue to urge on all parties the urgent need for further progress.
Social Chapter
31. Ms Quin : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EC counterparts about the social chapter of the Maastricht treaty.
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory : The social chapter has not featured in recent discussions with other member states.
Iraq
33. Mr. Chisholm : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to review the policy of imposing sanctions on Iraq.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : The Security Council reviewed the sanctions in force against Iraq on 24 May. The Council concluded that Iraq had not complied with United Nations resolutions, and that there was therefore no justification for change.
Column 640
Yugoslavia
Mr. Austin Walker : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the impact of sanctions against Serbia on other countries of the former Yugoslavia and neighbouring countries ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : United Nations sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro place a significant economic burden on neighbouring states. The recent visits of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania enabled him to discuss this issue with the Governments of those most acutely affected. The international financial institutions are best placed to assess the needs of those affected and provide appropriate support to help these countries develop a suitable policy response.
Iran
Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the proposal put to foreign Ministers of the European Community member states by the United States Secretary of State on 9 June relating to trade and export restrictions on Iran.
Mr. Goodlad : We shall be considering carefully the issues discussed by the EC and United States foreign Ministers with our EC partners. We shall continue to support international efforts to promote a harmonised approach to effective controls on the export of dual use goods to countries of particular concern, including Iran.
Kurdistan
Sir David Steel : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Turkish Government to cease all military operations in Kurdistan and accept the Kurdish PKK's unilateral ceasefire, and work towards a political solution.
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory : I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Garel-Jones), to the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon) on 28 April at column 440.
We regret the PKK's decision to end the ceasefire, and condemn the recent upsurge of violence in south-east Turkey. We frequently make clear to the Turkish Government the importance we attach to combating terrorism within a legal framework and with full respect for human rights.
Captain John Bashforth
Mr. Mullin : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian authorities regarding the murder by pirates of Captain John Bashforth ; and with what result.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the
Column 641
death of Captain Bashforth with the Indonesian authorities when he visited Indonesia at the beginning of April. Also Her Majesty's Embassy in Jakarta has been in frequent touch with the Indonesian authorities. Since April they have obtained further evidence from the Indonesian authorities which we have passed to the coroner in Buxted for the inquest on 21 June.Kashmir
Mr. Cox : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the human rights committee of the European Parliament on the issue of Kashmir ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : None. However, together with our European Community partners, we have emphasised to the Indian Government the importance of respecting human rights in Kashmir.
Eritrea
Mr. John D. Taylor : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy towards the new independent state of Eritrea.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd : We recognised Eritrea as an independent sovereign state on 14 May. We have had a warm relationship with the former provisional Government, now the Government of Eritrea, and have proposed entering into diplomatic relations. We have committed £12 million of humanitarian aid since January 1992 and alsAffairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 June, Official Report, column 82-83, what was the cost to his Department of each of the visits by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh ; and what were the sums involved in categories of expenditure within the cost of each visit.
Mr. Lennox-Boyd [holding answer 14 June 1993] : The costs to date to the Department of the overseas visits undertaken by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during the financial year 1992-93 at the request of Government Departments are as follows :
Country |Date |£ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ France |12 May |nil Malta |27 to 31 May |26,900 France |9 to 12 June |47,600 United States of America |13 to 14 July |nil Germany |19 to 23 October|82,700 Dominica, Montserrat, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands |11 to 20 March |nil
It is not possible to provide details of each category of expenditure without disproportionate cost.
| Next Section
| Home Page |