§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reports he has received from(a) the Independent Tribunal Service and (b) other sources regarding the effect of the Social Security (Adjudication) and Child Support Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1996 on the number of oral hearings held by social security appeal tribunals, disability appeal tribunals and child support appeal tribunals.[108]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyData on the number of oral hearings since the regulation changes came into effect are not yet available. Initial information from the Independent Tribunal Service suggests that currently paper hearings are being arranged in around 5 per cent. of cases.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will discuss with the president of the Independent Tribunal Service measures to ensure that doctors who are members of disability appeal tribunals are seen to be independent of her Department. [109]
§ Mr. BradleyAppointments of members of Disability Appeal Tribunals are a matter for the President of the Independent Tribunal Service, His Honour Judge Bassingthwaighte, who has informed me that measures are in place to prevent any conflict of interest arising.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will place in the Library a copy of Dr. Roy Sainsbury's analysis of the responses to the consultation document on decision-making and appeals. [110]
§ Mr. BradleyWe expect to receive Dr. Sainsbury's analysis of responses to the consultation document shortly. A copy will be placed in the Library.