§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions she has had with the president of the independent tribunal service concerning the propriety of doctors who carry out medical examinations of disability living allowance claimants for the Benefits Agency being appointed as members of disability appeal tribunals. [10221]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyOn 9 July, we introduced the Social Security Bill which will modernise the delivery of social security, including the appeals system. This Bill provides for the Lord Chancellor or Lord Advocate in Scotland to appoint all tribunal members in the future. Medical members will be appointed in consultation with the chief medical officer.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any discussions with the president of the independent tribunal service regarding the propriety of doctors, but is satisfied that the current procedures in place for the appointment of members of disability appeal tribunals do not give rise to any conflict of interest.
745W
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what proportion of appeals to social security, disability and child support appeal tribunals an oral hearing is requested. [10220]
§ Mr. BradleyOn 9 July 1997, we introduced the Social Security Bill which will modernise the delivery of Social Security. This Bill contains measures to provide a simpler and more efficient appeal system.
The information is set out in the table.
Appellants requesting an oral hearing 21 October 1996–30 June 1997 per cent. Social security appeal tribunals 38 Disability appeal tribunals 68 Child support appeals 35 All figures are estimates.