§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further steps he proposes to take to speed up the social security appeals procedures.
§ Mr. Peter LloydDelays in hearing social security appeals are steadily decreasing due to a reduction in their volume caused largely by the introduction of the social fund and the replacement of supplementary benefit by the simpler scheme of income support.
The administrative procedures involved are undertaken partly by the president of social security and medical appeal tribunals, and partly by the Department of Social Security. However, overall responsibility for appeals processing lies with the president, and the hon. Member may wish to take up the matter directly with him.