§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the latest position regarding delays in appeals to the social security commissioners; what was the position a year previously; and what is his estimate of any future improvements.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 November 1982, c. 50]: In November 1981 a total of 2,995 cases, comprising both appeals and applications for leave to 186W appeal were awaiting decision by the social security commissioners. The equivalent total figure today is 1,992. This is a significant improvement which I expect to be sustained.