HC Deb 05 February 1997 vol 289 cc608-9W
Mr. Trickett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of war pensions appeals were resolved in favour of the appellants at the war pensions appeals tribunals(a) in 1979 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available; and what was the average value of such awards to successful appellants in each of the last three years. [14020]

Mr. Streeter

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Jon Trickett, dated 5 February 1997:

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the proportion and cost of successful awards in favour of the appellant at the War Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

There are no statistics available to show the percentage of decisions given in favour of the appellant in 1979. The percentage of decisions given in favour of the appellant in 1982 was 31.8 per cent. and in 1996 the percentage was 30 per cent.

The information requested about the average value of such awards to successful appellants in each of the last three years is not held centrally, and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

Mr. Trickett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff are currently employed by the war pensions appeals tribunals in Leeds. [14022]

Mr. Streeter

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Jon Trickett, dated 5 February 1997:

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of staff currently employed by the War Pensions Appeal Tribunal in Leeds.

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal does not employ any staff in the Leeds area. All appeals are issued and processed at the London office of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. If a hearing is required in Leeds, a clerk is sent to the Leeds office to assist in the running of the Tribunal. From time to time a clerk from the Immigration Authorities will also assist.

Mr. Trickett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff are currently employed by the war pensions appeals tribunals; and how many there were in(a) 1979 and (b) 1990. [14023]

Mr. Streeter

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Jon Trickett, dated 5 February 1997:

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about staffing levels at the War Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal presently employs 21 staff. In 1979 it employed 10 staff and in 1990 that number had increased to 16.

Mr. Trickett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases are currently before war pensions appeals tribunals involving appellants over the age of 68 years; and what steps are taken to expedite hearings in these cases. [14024]

Mr. Streeter

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Jon Trickett, dated 5 February 1997:

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of cases currently before the War Pensions Appeals Tribunal which involve appellants over the age of 68 years and how those cases are expedited.

The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.