§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes there has been in the numbers on ear, nose and throat in-patient waiting lists for English regional health authorities between December 1984 and December 1986.
§ Mr. NewtonI am sorry that I cannot give the right hon. Member the information he seeks in precisely the form requested. Figures for December 1986 are not yet available centrally. The available information is given in the table.
waiting times for an appeal hearing against single payments and other benefits for (a) each of the main regions and (b) for Birkenhead.
§ Mr. LyellNational administrative statistics for social security appeals are not disaggregated for areas smaller than a social security region. The information for Great Britain for the 12 months of 1985 is contained in table 49.02B in "Social Security Statistics 1986" (HMSO) a copy of which is in the Library. The boundaries of social security regions are shown in appendix 4 of that publication. The most recent statistics available are for appeals heard and decided in the three-month period ended 31 December 1985. Tables giving details of the average number of weeks between the lodgement of an appeal and the tribunal hearing for supplementary benefit single payment appeals and appeals for other benefits for each of the social security regions, have been placed in the Library.