§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the average waiting time between the submission of an appeal and the tribunal hearing in respect of(a) social security appeal tribunals, (b) child support appeal tribunals, (c) disability appeal tribunals and (d) medical appeal tribunals, in (i) Scotland, (ii) Orkney and (iii) Shetland in (1) 1995 and (2) 1996; [6041]
(2) how many applicants who have submitted an appeal to the Social Security Appeal Tribunal since 1 January 1995 in (a) Scotland, (b) Orkney and (c) Shetland have had to wait more than (i) three months, (ii) six months, (iii) one year and (iv) 18 months or more for a tribunal hearing to take place; [6043]
(3) how many applicants who have submitted an appeal to the Disability Appeal Tribunal since 1 January 1995 in (a) Scotland, (b) Orkney and (c) Shetland have had to wait more than (i) three months, (ii) six months, (iii) one year and (iv) 18 months for a tribunal hearing to take place; [6045]
(4) how many applicants who have submitted an appeal to the Medical Appeal Tribunal since 1 January 1995 in (a) Scotland, (b) Orkney and (c) Shetland have had to wait more than (i) three months, (ii) six months, (iii) one year and (iv) 18 months for a tribunal hearing to take place; [6042]
(5) how many applicants who have submitted an appeal to the Child Support Appeal Tribunal since 1 January 1995 in (a) Scotland, (b) Orkney and (c) Shetland have had to wait more than (i) three months, (ii) six months, (iii) one year and (iv) 18 months or more for a tribunal hearing to take place. [6044]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyWe intend to bring forward legislation to speed up appeals arrangements for all Social Security matters. Further details will be announced shortly.
Questions on the operational performance of the Independent Tribunal Service should be directed to its President, Judge Bassingthwaighte.