HC Deb 02 May 1995 vol 259 cc160-1W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is his latest estimate of the number of suspensions of increased invalidity benefit awarded as a result of Commissioner Skinner's decision, case C 527/91; and of those women who have experienced suspension, how many have applied to have the suspension of payment lifted on the basis of hardship; how many of these appeals were successful; what has been the cost of the lifting of such suspensions; and if he will make a statement; [21042]

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of women who will be entitled (a) to enhanced invalidity benefit payments and (b) to back payment if the Department of Social Security's appeal against Commissioner Skinner's decision in the case of Mrs. Rose Graham fails; what estimate he has made of the additional cost to be met by the Northern Ireland Office in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97, and (iii) 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [21043]

Mr. Moss

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Alec Wylie to Dr. Norman Godman, dated 28 April 1995: I have been asked to reply to both your recent Parliamentary Questions on the position relating to the payment of increased Invalidity Benefit as a result of the Commissioner's decision in the Rose Graham case. The latest estimate of the number of suspensions of increased Invalidity Benefit awarded as a result of the Commissioner's decision is 600. No records are kept on the number of women who asked to have their suspension lifted on the grounds of hardship but I can confirm that a total of 8 such requests were successful, the cost of which to date is £27,936. It is estimated that 4,000 women will be entitled to enhanced Invalidity Benefit and back payment if the Department of Social Security's appeal against the Commissioner's decision fails. The additional cost of these cases is estimated at £2.1 million for 1995/96 and £2.2 million for each of the years 1996/97 and 1997/98. I hope you will find this information helpful.