§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the application by Mr. Peter Lynch for his renewal of mobility allowance sent in on 17 June is to be dealt with; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of mobility allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Bob Cryer, dated 25 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 asking when the application by Mr. Peter Lynch for his renewal of Mobility Allowance (MobA) will be dealt with.I should explain that a decision has now been made on Mr. Lynch's claim and this has been notified to him. I have replied to you separately in greater detail about this.Clearly this case has not been handled with the efficiency I would expect and I offer my sincere apologies for the distress and inconvenience caused to your constituent. My letter of 19 October to all MPs explained the problems the Agency has faced since the introduction of Disability Living Allowance in April 1992, which replaced MobA and Attendance Allowance for those whose disabilities began before age 65, and set out the measures we have taken to resolve these problems successfully.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.