§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the turnround of correspondence relating to disability living allowance applications met his targets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe arrangements for replying to correspondence relating to operational questions on disability living allowance are a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
593WLetter from Michael Bichard to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 13 May 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the targets for the turnround of correspondence on Disability Living Allowance (DLA).I would refer to my letter to you of 25 February 1993 in response to an earlier question from you on this matter (Official Report 25 February 1993, Column 751). As I explained in that letter, the Agency is responding to the majority of letters on DLA now being received from Members within 20 working days. In April 61 per cent. of the letters I sent on DLA were within the 20 day target. In additiion the DLA Unit is now responding within 20 working days on 79 per cent. of the letters they receive direct from Members.The percentage of cases cleared within 20 days is continuing to increase. It is my firm intention that by the end of May the vast majority of letters on DLA will be replied to within the 20 day target.I hope that you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.