Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Friday, 4 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 April 2003. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Monday, 14 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement about the eligibility of sufferers of ME for incapacity benefit.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement about the eligibility of sufferers of ME for incapacity benefit. [108144] Mr. Nicholas Brown: Incapacity benefit provides a source of income for sick and disabled people of working age. Eligibility is not dependent on any specific diagnosis or condition but on the effects of a condition on a persons ability to carry out day-to-day work- related activities, as determined by the Personal Capability Assessment.

Secondary information