§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance he has given concerning the independence of doctors serving on benefit tribunals since 2000. [55305]
§ Maria EagleIt is not appropriate for my right hon. Friend to issue guidance to the panel members who are appointed by the Lord Chancellor to sit on appeal tribunals within the Appeals Service. The panel members, and the tribunal decisions they make, are independent of the Department for Work and Pensions. Guidance for panel members is a matter for the president of appeal tribunals.