Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 27 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 May 1998. It was answered by Tony Worthington (Labour) on Thursday, 7 May 1998 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office;Social Security Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many people have claimed incapacity benefit in each year since 1990-91 on the grounds of incontinence. - Text of letter from Chris Thompson of the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency, inc fact that information only available at disproportionate cost.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have claimed incapacity benefit in each year since 1990-91 on the grounds of incontinence. [40197] Mr. Worthington: Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Thompson. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Chris Thompson to Rev. Martin Smyth, dated 5 May 1998: I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of people who have claimed Incapacity Benefit on the grounds of incontinence in each year since 1990-91. The Social Security Agency does not keep statistics on Incapacity Benefit under the heading of incontinence as an incapacity. To obtain this information each case would have to be examined separately. This would involve a major clerical exercise which would incur disproportionate costs. I am sorry I cannot provide the information you require but I hope this explains the position to you.

Secondary information