§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total waiting list of cases for industrial tribunal hearing in the Newcastle upon Tyne office on 1 January; what number and percentage of cases waiting less than six weeks, less than eight weeks, less than 10 weeks, less than 12 weeks, less than 16 weeks, less than 20 weeks and less than 26 weeks; and what the maximum waiting time was at 1 January.
§ Mr. ForthI regret that the information on waiting times is not available in precisely the form requested. The figures show those cases in the Newcastle area which have been registered but which had not come to hearing by 29 January 1992.
Number Percentage Less than 6 weeks 196 12.9 More than 6 weeks-less than 8 weeks 97 6.4 More than 8 weeks-less than 10 weeks 77 5.1 More than 10 weeks-less than 12 weeks 113 7.4 More than 12 weeks-less than 16 weeks 141 9.3 More than 16 weeks-less than 20 weeks 138 9.1 More than 20 weeks-less than 26 weeks 123 8.1 More than 26 weeks 633 41.7 Total 1,518 The maximum waiting time was 39 weeks, unless the parties requested a later hearing date.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken or is taking to reduce the waiting times for industrial tribunals in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has increased the budget for the industrial tribunals in England and Wales by over £2 million in the current financial year. This has enabled additional administrative staff and tribunal chairmen to be appointed in the Newcastle region, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of tribunal hearings. Measures are also being taken to improve efficiency.