§ Mr. Bestasked the Attorney-General what is the number of social security commissioners and the respective populations served for each of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; if he has any proposals to increase the number of social security commissioners for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
The Attorney-GeneralThere are 17 commissioners (including two part-time) in Great Britain. For the purpose of this jurisdiction there are no formal divisions between England, Wales and Scotland. At present, however, two commissioners are located in Edinburgh. Commissioners also attend regularly at Cardiff to conduct oral hearings. Steps are being taken to appoint an additional commissioner, to be based in Edinburgh. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that there are three commissioners there, but this jurisdiction is separate from that of Great Britain. Latest approximate population figures are:
million Wales 2.8 Scotland 5.1 Northern Ireland 1.6