asked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what circumstances payments are made to social security claimants in respect of fares to appeals tribunals; how many such payments were made in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the total cost to public funds.

All appellants, persons accompanying or representing appellants, and witnesses who appear before supplementary benefit appeal tribunals are entitled to claim a refund of their reasonable travelling expenses. I regret that information is not available in the form requested, but for 1975–76 approximately £68,000 was paid in travelling expenses to persons—including chairmen and members of tribunals—attending the hearing of approximately 39,000 appeals.