§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average cost to his Department of an appeal to the social security commissioners.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe office of the chief adjudication officer, which is funded by the Department of Social Security, is responsible for processing appeals to the Commissioners. The most recent estimate of the total average cost of the work involved, which has been provided by the chief adjudication officer, is about £2,000. However, the cost is being recalculated and I will write to the hon. Member again when this information becomes available.