§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the current waiting targets, and current waiting times, for appeals to special medical boards and medical appeal tribunals.
§ Mr. ScottThe information requested on special medical boards is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Medical appeal tribunals are the responsibility of the president of the independent tribunal service. I am informed that the information is not available in the form requested. The table shows the target and current outturn for the time taken from lodgement of an appeal to the issue of the tribunal's decision.
Target Outturn 15 per cent. in 4 months 18.6 40 per cent. in 6 months 46.5 90 per cent. in 12 months 79.9