§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Mr. Robin Archer of 51 Ranscombe road, Brixham, will know the status of his application for disability living allowance submitted in March; and what is the reason for the time taken in reaching a decision.
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§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mr. Michael Bichard to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 7 December 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security concerning the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim by your constituent Mr. Robin Archer of 51 Ranscombe Road, Brixham.I should explain that action on Mr. Archer's claim was completed in August 1992 and notification sent to him. A duplicate notification was sent to him on 1 December 1992.I offer my apologies to Mr. Archer for the delay in handling his claim, I have written to you separately, and in greater detail, about the case. You will be aware from my letter of 19 October 1992 to all MPs of the problems we have encountered since the successful launch of the new benefits and the positive steps taken to improve the situation.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.