To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons a second medical examination to assess the services proportion of coal industry vibration white finger claims is required; what additional (a) resources and (b) expenditure have been set aside for this purpose; and when he expects all claims to be settled. [97968]
In addition to the general damages paid to those suffering from vibration white finger (VWF) my Department is responsible for compensation to certain claimants who are prevented from carrying out everyday tasks such as DIY and gardening because of the severity of their VWF. Therefore, in accordance with common law it is necessary to identify to what extent VWF itself has caused these difficulties. The second medical examination is designed to identify any other conditions, or co-morbidities, that may impact upon a claimant's ability to undertake the task claimed for. The existing medical examination for VWF was not designed to identify such conditions, which is why a second medical in these circumstances is necessary.Resources for this second medical, or Services MAP, are already being put in place. The Department announced on 6 February 2003 that Aon Health Solutions (AHS) has been appointed as the new medical provider for this process. We are now involved actively with all our contract partners towards starting medical assessments by the end of April this year. Currently there are 60 adjusters at IRISC preparing claims for the Services MAP. Resources at AHS will be updated over time in line with the volumes of claims passing through to the medical stage of the process.It is not possible to make firm financial estimates of the cost of Services claims until the numbers of those making claims is clearer. But this is a legal liability and the Department will meet whatever it costs. As well as having financial implications, the final numbers will also impact on the time scale involved. It is hoped to have the majority of claims through the Services MAP by the end of 2005; however, this is significantly dependent on the full cooperation of solicitors in getting claims documentation to our claims handlers.