§ Mr. Johnasked the Attorney-General if he will reconsider his decision not to replace the Social Security Commissioner for Wales.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe jurisdiction of each of the social security commissioners for Great Britain extends throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Hearings continue to be held in Cardiff, where appropriate, on a regular basis, although the Cardiff office was closed in 1986 for reasons of operational economy. The Lord Chancellor has no plans at present to reopen that office or to base a social security commissioner in Wales.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Attorney-General how many social security commissioners there are for (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) the Isle of Man; and if he will set out the criteria for appointment of such commissioners for a geographical area.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe jurisdiction of each of the social security commissioners for Great Britain extends throughout England, Scotland and Wales. There are currently two commissioners based in Scotland, but none in Wales. Appointments of commissioners to be based in England, Scotland and Wales are made to the extent justified by the work load arising there. The Lord Chancellor is not responsible for the Isle of Man.