§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many of the additional staff posts allotted to the Independent Case Examiner in September 2000 have been filled; [154510]
(2) what plans he has for clearing the backlog of Child Support Agency cases awaiting investigation by the Independent Case Examiner; [154509]
(3) on what basis it was decided to advertise the job of the Independent Case Examiner on a part-time rather than full-time basis. [154511]
§ Angela EagleThe office of the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) has already recruited two extra staff. A further four staff members will be in post by the end of April 2001, and two more in May 2001.
All cases referred to the ICE are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible. Cases are dealt with in the order they are received to ensure that all customers receive a similar service. In exceptional circumstances, such as where a customer's health is being affected by their case, it will be dealt with more urgently.
The current Independent Case Examiner, Mrs. Anne Parker, was appointed on a part-time basis and the intention is that her replacement will also be part-time.