§ 1. Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she now expects to receive Professor Bell's report on the operation of supplementary benefit appeal tribunals.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. Brian O'Malley)My right hon. Friend received it on 26th June and it is now being studied. We are very grateful to Professor Bell for her report.
§ Mr. GouldIs my right hon. Friend aware that publication of the Bell Report is eagerly awaited by all those interested in the operation of supplementary benefit appeal tribunals? Does he accept that many of us hope and expect the report to recommend the introduction of a second-tier appeal authority, which would do much to improve the general standard and consistency of tribunals? Will he give an assurance that if the report makes such a recommendation the Government will act on it speedily?
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe report is a research study in four volumes and much of the material is confidential. I hope to arrange, with Professor Bell's agreement, for a summary of her findings and recommendations to be published as soon as it can be arranged. On my hon. Friend's second point, we shall certainly consider very carefully any recommendation Professor Bell has made and the evidence underlying it. The Government will certainly not waste any time in considering these matters carefully and coming to a conclusion on the report.