§ Mr. Steenasked the Attorney-General what is the average time taken from the date of notification to the date of disposal of appeals against decisions not to increase war pensions; what is the longest time for which a current appeal has been outstanding; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralFor assessment cases heard and determined during the first nine months of 1986, the average interval between the receipt of the notice of appeal at the pensions appeal tribunals' office and the written confirmation of the tribunal's decision was 207 days.
The longest time for which a current assessment appeal has been outstanding is five years and 10 months. This is an exceptional case which has required repeated adjournments. If the hon. Member is concerned about any particular case before the pensions appeal tribunals, the Lord Chancellor will examine the matter accordingly.