Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 July 2004. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 July 2004 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, how many referrals for medical advice were made by staff of his Department when assessing the capacity of a claimant to manage his/her financial affairs in 2002-03.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many referrals for medical advice were made by staff of his Department when assessing the capacity of a claimant to manage his/her financial affairs in 2002-03. [182700] Maria Eagle: The Department does not normally require a report by a qualified medical officer before granting an appointeeship. A visiting officer will make an independent assessment of a customer's ability to manage his or her own affairs based on Department guidelines. In cases where there is some doubt the opinion of a suitably qualified professional may be sought, for example a social worker, community psychiatric nurse or general practitioner. Information is not available on of the number of interviews that are undertaken.

Secondary information