§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long it has so far taken to review the eligibility for a mobility allowance of Mrs. Grace Jeanette Riddles of 200 Spinning Wheel Mead, Harlow following its withdrawal; whether this is normal; and whether he will introduce a more efficient procedure.
§ Mr. RossiReview action began at the end of August 1982 when Mrs. Riddles' mobility allowance was withdrawn. I assure the hon. Member that the time taken on this case is not at all normal. As I explained in my letter to him on 8 April, the medical board which considered the case in September 1982 was unable to reach a decision without further medical evidence from a consultant. I much regret the untoward delay involved in securing this evidence, which is now to hand. A further medical board is being arranged as quickly as possible. The procedures involved are already under review. I hope that Mrs. Riddles will accept my apologies for the distress which the delay must have caused.