§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what resources he currently allocates to pensions appeal tribunal units. [19076]
Mr. John M. TaylorThe expenditure on the pensions appeal tribunals in the financial year 1995–96 is expected to be approximately £1.6 million. This figure includes the fees of judicial members and the salaries of the administrative staff, as well as other administrative costs.
At present, there are 19 staff in post, and the following part-time judicial members:
- Legal Chairmen: 11
- Medical Members: 29
- Service Members: 25
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average waiting time for war pension appeals to be heard; what action he will take to reduce the delay period, and if he will make a statement. [19077]
Mr. John M. TaylorAt present, once the parties have indicated readiness to proceed, the pensions appeal tribunals are able to arrange a hearing, on average, within eight to nine months.
Additional staff have been recruited for the pensions appeal tribunals to give administrative support. Also, extra judicial members have been appointed and additional tribunal sittings have been arranged to help reduce waiting times.