§ 27. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how far the number of appeals to the National Insurance Commissioner has varied since the necessity to obtain leave to appeal has been abolished.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterSubstantive appeals in National Insurance matters have increased by about 140 per cent. Figures are not yet available in respect of Industrial Injuries appeals.
§ Mr. PrenticeCan the Minister say whether this increased number of appeals is leading to any delay in dealing with them, or is the position, as many of us hope, that the simpler procedure will lead to appeals being dealt with more quickly and that less time will elapse between the local tribunal hearing and the Minister's decision?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis increased volume of appeals, even when allowance is made for the fact that applications for leave to appeal no longer require to be made, is a heavy load on the Commissioner and on the Commissioner's Office. As the hon. Gentleman may be aware, an additional Deputy Commissioner was appointed by Her Majesty earlier this year.