§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many case files for(a) attendance allowance, (b) mobility allowance and (c) disability living allowance were lost within the Benefits Agency handling system during 1992.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability benefits 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 M. Bichard to Mr David Hinchliffe, dated 25 January 1993:
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 how many claim files for (a) Attendance Allowance (AA), (b) Mobility Allowance (MobA) and (c) Disability Working Allowance (DWA) were lost within the Agency during 1992.For AA and MobA I should explain that there are no central records available on the number of case files which are mislaid. I am sure you will appreciate, however, that when vast numbers of cases are being handled it may sometimes be difficult to locate a particular file immediately.When files have been mislaid a special search is instigated as soon as possible so that the enquiry can be answered. If the procedures for locating mislaid files are unsuccessful a duplicate file is created and replacement evidence gathered to determine the claim with the aim of minimising any further delay.The measures we have introduced to clear the backlog of AA claims have already reduced the number of outstanding cases to manageable proportions and location of files should be more straightforward in future.There have been no instances of DWA case files being lost.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.