§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals concerning invalidity benefit were(a) received and (b) decided in each of the quarters ending June 1993, September 1993 and December 1993; and what percentage of these were found in the claimants's favour.
§ Mr. HagueThe information is in the table.
Invalidity Benefit Appeals Quarters ending Received Heard and decided Percentage in appellant's favour June 1993 5,689 1,800 51.7 September 1993 7,021 2,961 54.9 December 1993 7,150 3,225 57.8 Figures from "Quarterly Social Security Appeal Tribunal Statistics" produced by the Government Statistical Service.
744Whelping the parties to reach the basis for a major settlement. However, the task of bringing a settlement to a conclusion is in the hands of the parties concerned. So it is appropriate for the unit to cease acting as an independent entity and for me to release Sir John from his role as my adviser at the end of March.
The Government have played an active part in helping a resolution of the problems faced by the Maxwell pensioners. We have ensured that pensions continued to be paid by all Maxwell schemes while the scheme trustees and the liquidators undertook asset recovery work. We hope that the settlement recently agreed in principle can be concluded so that the pensioners can enjoy a secure future without the delays and costs of litigation.