Oral Answers to Questions

Tracey Crouch Excerpts

Monday 22nd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con)]

11. what recent progress has been made on the work capability assessment independent review led by Professor Malcolm Harrington.

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Chris Grayling)]

Professor Harrington will publish his report on the work capability assessment tomorrow. He will be available to take questions and I hope Members will come forward and put any issues and concerns to him, and indeed to me, during the course of the day.

[Tracey Crouch]

I thank the Minister for that reply. Can he assure the House that those who have varying support needs because they have fluctuating conditions will be considered accordingly during the assessment process?

[Chris Grayling]

I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. This issue—along with that of people with mental health issues—has been of paramount importance to me, and it is one of the subjects to which I asked Professor Harrington to pay the closest attention. I hope my hon. Friend will see tomorrow that he has recommended a number of measures that will help in that respect, but I can also assure her that we will continue to review this issue. We will continue to study the process as it unfolds, and we will make further improvements as and when necessary.