§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average length of time it took to 845W hear a supplementary benefit claimant's appeal in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 and at the latest available date for claimants living in Birkenhead.
§ Mr. WhitneyPrecise information is not available because of the effects of industrial action within the Department.
It is estimated that the present waiting time for supplementary benefit appeals in the Birkenhead area is about 10 weeks. Estimated figures for the region which covers the Birkenhead area are as follows:
1980 1981 1982 1983 Weeks 4.7 8.8 8.3 10.7