§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Attorney-General whether he will bring forward proposals concerning applications to the social security commissioners for leave to appeal to the commissioners in order to (a) require the commissioners to give reasons for a decision to refuse such leave and (b) giving a direct right of appeal to the Court of Appeal against such a refusal of leave; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have no such plans at present.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Attorney-General what specific actions have been taken by the Lord Chancellor's Department to reduce the delays in disposing of appeals to the social security commissioners (a) in supplementary benefit cases and (b) in other cases, since that Department assumed responsibility for the commissioners on 1 January 1985.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor's Department has undertaken a detailed review of the procedures and working methods in all types of cases which come before the social security commissioners and a number of measures designed to contain delays have been taken. These include improved listing procedures and typing facilities and revised arrangements for handling applications for leave to appeal. Other measures are under consideration, and the current Social Security Bill contains provisions designed to secure a number of procedural improvements.