§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the final resolution in the case of Mr. William Gallacher of Westgate on Sea of his benefit claim; and if he will make a statement relating to the speed with which benefit claims made by the disabled are processed. [69697]
§ Mr. BayleyThe administration of disablement benefits is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Roger Gale, dated 8 February 1999:
I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when the Secretary of State expects the final resolution to be made in the case of Mr. William Gallacher of Westgate on Sea of his benefit claim; and if he will make a statement relating to the speed with which benefit claims made by the disabled are processed.
Mr. Gallacher's claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) was received by the Benefits Agency on 8 May 1997. The Adjudication Officer's decision, based on the findings of the Adjudicating Medical Authority on the claim, was issued to Mr. Gallacher on 14 October 1997. This length of time was needed to arrange a medical examination, confirm details of his employment, and contribution history. This information is required in all IIDB claims to confirm if the case satisfies the conditions for entitlement. In Mr. Gallacher's case, the history since 1940 was potentially relevant and needed to be scrutinised.
Mr. Gallacher lodged an appeal, received at the BA processing office on 28 November 1997, against the findings of the Adjudicating Medical Authority. The case was referred to the Independent Tribunal Service on 28 November 1997. A hearing date has been set for 5 March 1999.
The target times for completion of the processing of all Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit claims are, 60% in 85 days and 90% in 175 days. In Mr. Gallacher's case the decision was issued to him within the second target time.
I hope you find this reply is helpful.