§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average length of time required to process a claim for sickness benefit in Northern Ireland; and how many applicants also apply for supplementary benefit during the period required for processing the sickness benefit claim.
§ Mr. CarterThe average period of time between the receipt of an initial claim for sickness benefit and the issue of the first payment in respect of that claim is 10 days. Figures are not available for the numbers of applicants who apply for supplementary benefit during the period required for processing their claim for sickness benefit and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.