§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 March,Official Report, column 405, if the 433 days mentioned as average waiting time between an appeal against a social security appeal tribunal's decision and its determination by a social security commissioner are working days; and what steps he is taking to reduce this waiting time.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe number of days referred to are calendar days. The chief commissioner is making full use of existing deputy social security commissioners to help reduce waiting times. He has also arranged for the transfer of some cases to commissioners in Scotland, where waiting times are shorter. A committee is also examining ways to improve the appeal procedures.