§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the date of the commissioner's hearing in the case referred to in his answers of 16 November 1987,Official Report, column 445, and 1 February, Official Report, column 487, regarding payments for furniture where the claimant became the tenant or owner of an unfurnished home on the date of claim; when he expects to receive the decision; and what is the reason for the delay.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have been asked to reply.
The hearing of the appeal in the case referred to took place before a commissioner on 15 October 1987. His decision was issued and sent to both parties on 26 February 1988. Decisions in these cases are matters for the commissioners in the exercise of their independent judicial function, and in 1987, 80 per cent. of decisions in oral hearings were issued within six weeks of the hearing date. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has asked for further information about the case referred to and will write to the hon. Member in due course.