§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any progress has yet been made towards the appointment of senior chairmen for supplementary benefit appeal tribunals; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am glad to be able to announce that my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has now made appointments to fill the four posts of senior chairmen. These are new posts and are a response to one of the recommendations made by Professor Kathleen Bell following her research into the supplementary benefit appeal system.
Senior chairmen will play a part in the selection of new members and chairmen for tribunals and in the assignment of clerks. They will advise chairmen on procedures and on the application of the law, and this is particularly important at this time when the legal structure of the supplementary benefit scheme is being considerably changed. Above all, these appointments will emphasise and strengthen the independence of these tribunals.