§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Mr. L. Bowden Brown of 129 Royston Avenue, Southend, has not yet been notified of the result of a medical board hearing which took place on 31 January regarding his industrial disability benefit; and if he will take steps to ensure that a decision is communicated to Mr. Bowden Brown as soon as possible.
§ Mr. PrenticeAfter Mr. Bowden Brown was examined by the medical hoard on 31 January 1980, it was discovered that, in accordance with the Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed Diseases) Regulations, he should 693W not have been examined by that board but by a pneumoconiosis medical board. It was necessary to take advice on the resultant legal position. I regret that that has taken so long and that no steps were taken to keep Mr. Bowden Brown informed of the position. I have arranged for a letter to be sent to him immediately explaining the corrective action which is being taken and in the meantime additional benefit will be paid to him in accordance with the decision of the board held on 31 January.