§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of claimants who have failed to appeal against decisions made incorrectly by staff of his Department; and if he will take steps to advise claimants of their right of appeal.
Dr. BoysonClaimants are notified of their right of appeal in all appropriate cases. It is, of course, for the individual claimant to decide whether to exercise that right.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State: for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to ensure that claimants entitled to refunds are made aware of such entitlement;
(2) if he will estimate the sum lost to claimants as a result of poor information given by his Department's staff.
Dr. BoysonIf the hon. Member is referring to refunds due to claimants in respect of voluntary unemployment deductions after decisions in favour of the claimants, I refer her to my replies to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John) today.