§ Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average period of time involved in determining claims for attendance allowance.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisA little over six weeks.
§ Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to minimise delayed adjudication in claims for attendance allowance.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAdjudication on claims for attendance allowance is a matter for the independent adjudicating authorities, but I am confident that every effort is made to ensure that claims are settled as quickly as possible. If my hon. Friend is aware of a particular case of delay I shall be glad to forward details to the Attendance Allowance Board.
§ Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence she has received concerning the shortage of medical practitioners in the attendance allowance unit; and what remedial measures she proposes to introduce.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy right hon. Friend has no evidence that there is a shortage of medical practitioners available for the work of the Attendance Allowance Board.