§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to make a decision on the application by Mr. Michael Bellinger (NI No. YB 99 28 98 A) of 2 Holman way, Ivybridge, for industrial injury benefit; and why there has been a delay in his appeal.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of industrial injuries disablement benefit 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 2 March 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 when he expects to make a decision on the application by Mr. Michael Bellinger (NI No. YB 99 28 92 A) of 2 Holman Way, Ivybridge, for industrial injury benefit; and why there has been a delay in his appeal.I am pleased to tell you that Mr. Bellinger's appeal has already been listed and is due to be heard by the Medical Appeal Tribunal later this month. The Independent Tribunal Service telephoned Mr. Bellinger on 25 February to arrange a date for his appeal hearing. Mr. Bellinger's wife took the call and agreed the date with ITS. I would like to point out that Adjudication Officers and the Independent Tribunal Service carry out their duties independently of the Department and consequently neither Government Ministers nor the Department can intervene in matters for which they are responsible.There does not appear to have been any undue delay on the part of the Benefit's Agency in dealing with Mr. Bellinger's appeal. I have written to you separately and in greater detail about this matter.203WI hope that you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also appear in the Library.