§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the delay in processing the disability living allowance claim of the Woolwich constituent, national insurance No. LW 263446C about whom the hon. Member for Woolwich wrote to him on 4 September.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief execitive of the Benfits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. J. Austin-Walker dated 5 November 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 about the nine months delay in processing the Disability Living Allowance claim of the Woolwich constituent, National Insurance No. LW 263446C.I should explain that the claim to which you refer has now been considered by an adjudication officer and the decision notified direct to your constituent on 29 October.I offer my sincere apologies for the delay in dealing with your constituent's claim. My reply to your letter of 4 September to the Minister of State for Social Security and Disabled People explains the position in greater detail.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.