§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what the cost was to the public purse of the adjourned Independent Tribunal Service hearing into case No. S/45/167/1998/00627 at Aldershot on 10 March; [77099]
(2) what reasons his Department was not represented at the Independent Tribunal Service hearing into case No. S/45/167/1998/00627 at Aldershot on 10 March. [77100]
§ Angela EagleThe President of the Independent Tribunal Service has advised that the cost of the adjourned hearing into case S/45/167/1998/00627 at Aldershot on 10 March 1998 was £33.48.
The tribunal had a written submission from the adjudication officer. Although it is normal practice for the Department to be represented at hearings, a presenting officer was unable to attend this hearing. The tribunal is able to hear an appeal without a presenting officer. Where a hearing is adjourned in these circumstances, a presenting officer will attend the re-hearing.