§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will take steps to ensure that people in the areas covered by the Derby social security offices who were entitled to a severe disablement premium prior to the amendment of regulation 3(2)(c) of the Income Support (General) Regulations on 9 October 1989 receive appropriate arrears of benefit at the earliest possible date.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardEntitlement to the severe disability premium is a matter for the independent adjudicating authorities, including social security appeal tribunals. In some cases, awards of this premium by such tribunals have been suspended pending appeal, by the adjudication officer, to the social security commissioners. We are not aware of any delay in paying arrears of other awards of this premium by tribunals, but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind perhaps she will write to me.