§ Mr. Ian StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many case DLA case files were mislaid or lost prior to their referral to the Independent Tribunal Service in the last 12 months; and how many of these related to claimants who are mentally ill. [64216]
§ Mr. TimmsThe administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ian Stewart, dated 16 December 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many Disability Living Allowance cases were mislaid or lost prior to their referral to the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) in the last 12 months; and how many of these related to claimants who are mentally ill.The information you have requested is not routinely kept and would only be available at disproportionate cost.I am aware of only one case in the last 12 months where the papers were mislaid prior to their referral to the ITS where the person concerned was suffering from a mental illness.I am sorry I cannot be of more help.