§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the seventh annual report of the Chief Adjudication Officer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe report is being published today. Its findings point to improvement in some areas of adjudication, including those in the Employment Service, while in some others, standards remain disappointing. The Chief Adjudication Officer welcomes the positive response made to the majority of recommendations in his 1989–90 report, and goes on to make further recommendations to build on the progress made so far. He welcomes the146W commitment of the chief executives of both the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service to the improvement of adjudication standards as an integral part of customer service.
The recommendations are being considered, and will be the subject of a formal response in due course.