§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he received during the consultations process in support of the changes of appeals procedures for benefits outlined in "Improving Decision Making and Appeals in Social Security", Cm 3328. [2381]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe period for consultation ended on 18 October and we are currently in the process of analysing all the responses received—currently 440. I cannot yet provide the information requested by the hon. Member but will write separately to him once the information becomes available.
§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the decision to implement changes of appeal procedures for benefits under the Social Security (Adjudication) and Child Support Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1996 before the end of the consultation procedure set out in "Improving Decision Making and Appeals in Social Security", Cm 3328. [2382]
§ Mr. EvansWhen my right hon. Friend the Security of State announced his intention to make these changes on 23 July, he said that he was consulting the Council on Tribunals on the proposals and that, subject to that consultation, regulations would be laid during the recess to take effect in the autumn. This has been done. The changes are intended to improve the appeals process and there is no reason to delay them.