HC Deb 17 April 1986 vol 95 cc427-8W
Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor will be conducting a review of the present mechanism for the reporting of decisions of the Social Security Commissioners; and whether he will consult organisations frequently representing claimants in cases before the commissioners on that issue.

The Attorney-General

Yes. The arrangements for reporting decisions of the Social Security Commissioners are currently under review. It is intended to consult relevant representative organisations before conclusions are reached.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to make available to claimants and their representatives at each of the offices of the Social Security Commissioners a set of each of the following decisions of the commissioners for inspection and photocopying: (a) reported decisions, (b) starred decisions, (c) numbered decisions (old series) and (d) unreported decisions.

The Attorney-General

This is among the matters being considered in the review now in hand of the arrangements governing the availability of decisions of the Social Security Commissioners.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Attorney-General whether as part of the measures being taken to reduce the delays in matters before the social security commissioners, he will be appointing part-time or deputy commissioners.

The Attorney-General

The Lord Chancellor intends to do so.