§ 5. Mr. Maxwellasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what are the reasons for the long delay in the hearing of claims before the Industrial Injuries Commissioner; if she is aware that these delays cause great hardship; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss HerbisonThere are a variety of factors which may affect the time taken before appeals can be heard in Industrial Injuries cases, many of which involve difficult questions of law or questions of fact on which further information has to be obtained. Recently the position has been made more difficult by a heavy increase in the number of requests for oral hearings.
The Commissioner is, of course, well aware of the position; steps have already been taken with a view to reducing the arrears and these are beginning to take effect.