§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many appeals against decisions to refuse disability allowances are currently outstanding; and what was the number 12 months ago.
§ Mr. OrmeI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to decisions of medical boards made in connection with claims for industrial disablement benefit. At the end of 1978, 5,186 appeals were outstanding—including references on behalf of the Secretary of State—15,543 having been received during the year. The corresponding figures for 1977 were 4,921 outstanding and 15,480 received.