§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans the Government have to review the all work test for incapacity. [15354]
§ Mr. DenhamI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Hinchliffe) on 27 October,Official Report, column 731.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals against incapacity benefit disallowance were(a) received and (b) heard in the year ending March 1997; and what was the success rate for applicants. [15353]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information is in the table.
One of the Government's first priorities for Social Security is to modernise both the appeals system and the decision making process. We intend to introduce measures to streamline and simplify the system to make it easier to understand and more cost effective.
Date Minister Destination Purpose Cost 23 September Keith Bradley Brussels To exchange views on the likely agenda in the social security policy area for the UK Presidency of the EU. £1,499 8 October Keith Bradley Bonn[...] £1,418 12–14 October Joan Ruddock Venice To attend a conference on "women in decision-making". £1,693
- 1. The figures have been rounded to nearest pound.
- 2. The figures include all related costs incurred by the Minister's party, which on each occasion included the Minister's Private Secretary and one other official.