§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he is giving to those women inquiring about the interim arrangement pending the determination of the Graham case by the European Court of Justice.
§ Mr. ScottWomen are informed if they are entitled to an increase in invalidity benefit as a result of the Social Security Commissioner's decision in this case. Where payment of the increase is suspended they are also advised that the suspended benefit will be paid in full if the commissioner's decision is upheld; and that if they have difficulty managing in the meantime they should contact their local Benefits Agency office, so that the decision to suspend can be reconsidered.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on the date when the European Court of Justice will begin its hearing of the Graham case in respect of invalidity benefit; and when a decision is likely to be announced.
§ Mr. ScottThe Court of Appeal decided on 18 January to refer the Graham case to the European Court of Justice. The European Court's procedure necessitates inviting all other member states to submit observations on the point at issue should they wish to do so. It normally takes about 18 months following a reference before judgment is handed down.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many days per year the chief executive of the Prison Service agency spends on his other business interests.
§ Mr. Peter LloydUnder the terms of his appointment the Director-General of the Prison Service is permitted to spend a maximum of one and a half days a month in normal working hours as a non-executive director of other organisations.