Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many appeals from decisions of local tribunals are waiting for a hearing from the National Insurance Commissioners.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAt the end of April, 2,686 cases were awaiting determination by the Social Security Commissioners.
Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time between a decision of a local tribunal and a hearing of an appeal to the National Insurance Commissioner.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe average waiting period is 15 months.
Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why an appellant to the National Insurance Commissioner has been informed that her appeal against a decision of a local tribunal held on 11 June 1980 cannot be heard before June or July 1982.
§ Mrs. ChalkerBecause of the number of appeals awaiting determination and the circumstances of a particular case, it may be some time before an appeal is heard by a commissioner. But it is quite exceptional for someone to have to wait as long as two years.