Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Carter (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 18 April 2006.

Disability: Medical Assessment

Question: My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that assessment for benefits has been outsourced to a private agency? Is he aware that a potential assessor was recently turned down by the agency on the grounds that his disability would slow down the throughput of assessment? What measures are in place to ensure that the agency does not give priority to throughput over quality in the assessment procedure?

Answer: My Lords, I have not heard of that particular incident, but if my noble friend would care to give me further details I will have a look at it. He is right that the medical services are, on behalf of my department, undertaken by Atos Origin Medical Services. It is important that it has available to it a range of good medical people who can take the medical examinations, and it is equally important that we do them as quickly as possible. However, I am happy to look at the specific incident that he raised.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 680 c976-7
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Disability Benefits rules Incapacity benefit Medical examinations Social security benefits