Charles Walker calls for improvements to the computer-based medical form, the complexity of which has denied many deserving people the benefits they are entitled to.

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): What assessment he has made of the operation of the computer system that administers disability living allowance; and if he will make a statement. [93408]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mrs. Anne McGuire): The disability living allowance computer system is a modern, efficient and up-to-date system that ensures correct, timely and accurate payments to our customers. The Department continually assesses and makes improvements to its computer system and will continue to seek ways to enhance its systems to support changing business needs into the future.

Mr. Walker: What measures are the Government taking to improve the computer-based medical form, which is highly complex and has denied many deserving people access to the benefits to which they are entitled? The latest figures suggest that 80,000 people are waiting to have their forms assessed for disability living allowance.

Mrs. McGuire: The disability living allowance form is constantly reviewed and updated. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, we are looking into ways of further improving the form and seeking to find different ways to encourage customers to provide us with the information required at the point of decision making. It is vital to secure as much information as possible. Yes, we are reviewing the position; and yes, we are looking to find any way-every way, in fact-to connect with those applying for DLA. As many hon. Members appreciate, it is a sensitive benefit, often applied for at a traumatic time in an individual's life.

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