HC Deb 30 January 1997 vol 289 cc362-3W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) pursuant to his answer of 23 January,Official Report, column 719, from what source the independent tribunal service obtained the information that medical members of disability appeal tribunals are not normally involved in examining claimants for the purpose of the all work test; [13324]

(2) how many medical examinations for the purpose of the all-work test were carried out in November 1996 by doctors who were members of disability appeal tribunals; [13325]

(3) in what circumstances medical members of disability appeal tribunals are involved in examining claimants for the purposes of the all-work test; [13327]

(4) how many notices issued by the clerk to the social security appeal tribunal covering the Newport, Gwent area between 21 October and 21 December 1996, directing the parties to notify him if they wished an oral hearing to be heard, have resulted in requests for oral hearings by (a) the claimant only, (b) the adjudication officer only and (c) both the claimant and the adjudication officer; and how many of those requests were made within 10 days of receipt of the direction; [13328]

(5) pursuant to his answer of 24 January, Official Report, column 772, which tribunal venues the independent tribunal service is currently considering whether to continue using; [13329]

(6) for what reasons members of social security appeal tribunals, other than chairmen, do not receive appeal papers in advance of the hearing in cases where an appeal is decided without an oral hearing. [13330]

Mr. Roger Evans

These are matters for the president of the independent tribunal service, his honour Judge Bassingthwaighte. He will write to the hon. Member.