§ 2. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Minister of Pensions whether he can inform the House as to the percentage of applicants successful in gaining their cases put forward before the Ministry of Pensions Appeal Tribunal?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe number of appeals heard by the Ministry of Pensions Appeal Tribunals prior to their dissolution on the 31st October, 1919, was 14,731, and of these 5,064, or 31.2 per cent., were decided in favour of the appellants. On the 1st November, 1919, the Statutory Pensions Appeal Tribunals were established, and from that date to the 30th September, 1920, 13,030 appeals have been heard by these tribunals, of which 4,130, or 31.7 per cent., have been allowed.
§ 10. Major M. WOODasked the Minister of Pensions how many eases are waiting to be hoard by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; at what rate these appeals are being disposed of; and how long on the average appellants have at present to wait before their cases come before the tribunal?
In giving notice of the question I intended to say, "Pensions Appeal Tribunal in Scotland."
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI did not know what was in my hon. and gallant Friend's mind; I only knew what was on the Paper. It has not been possible in the time available to obtain figures for all parts of the Kingdom. I am, however, informed from the Lord Chancellor's Office that as regards England and Wales there are at the present time 2,300 cases in the hands of the tribunals. Approximately, 400 appeals are dealt with weekly by the tribunals, of which a certain percentage have to be adjourned owing to the non-appearance of the appellant or the fact that the tribunals require additional information. The average time which elapses between the date the appeal 1903 reaches the headquarter office of the Appeal Tribunal and the date of hearing is about one month.
§ Major WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a second tribunal for Scot land?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am quite willing to consider that.