HC Deb 22 October 1973 vol 861 cc430-1W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases have been heard by tribunals in each of the last five years; and how many of these were won by the widows.

Mr. Dean

The total numbers of benefit appeals and references decided by national insurance local tribunals, the national insurance commissioners, and supplementary benefit appeal tribunals, respectively, were as follows:

National Insurance Local Tribunals National Insurance Commissioners Supplementary Benefit Appeal Tribunals
1968 36,514 2,510 15,954
1969 34,812 2,378 18,193
1970 35,641 2,520 23,593
1971 29,334 2,212 24,039
1972 34,419 2,106 36,051

I regret that the number of successful appeals, for the wide variety of benefits involved, in which the claimant happened to be a widow is not available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the widows who appeared before tribunals were represented.

Mr. Dean

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time between a widow having her benefit withdrawn and a hearing before a tribunal.

Mr. Dean

I regret that this information is not available.