Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Baroness Kramer (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 9 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Disability (Negative Stereotypes)

Question: Will the Minister therefore confirm that in the incapacity benefit Green Paper she and the Secretary of State will focus on the talents and potential of people with disabilities? To that end, can she confirm that in the Green Paper the level of benefit will not be cut, nor will a time limit be included, and nor will GPs who have written the largest number of sick notes be blacklisted—a very broad concern for the disability community?

Answer: I agree with the first part of the hon. Lady's question. I am sure that she would not expect me to go into any detail on the second part, as the Secretary of State has already made it clear that the Green Paper will be published shortly. On the general issue of images of disabled people, through my Department and across Government we have sought to ensure that looking at disabled people on the basis of what they cannot do is not acceptable. Indeed, we continually highlight the potential of disabled people and their skills and experience. That is the essence of our approach in our policies on disabled people.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 441 c19-20
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Disability Equality Eligibility Incapacity benefit Time limits Levels
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk