To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 24 July, Official Report, column 747, in what proportion of appeals to (a) social security and (b) disability appeal tribunals an oral hearing is requested by (i) an adjudication officer and (ii) either of the parties; in each case how many (A) oral hearings (1) in the presence of the appellant or a representative and (2) in absence and (B) paper hearings took place in each month since 1 April; what were the success rates for appeals in each of these categories; and if she will place in the Library a report on the effects of the changes to the appeals system introduced on 21 October 1996. [12087]

Evaluation of the changes introduced to the appeal system on 21 October 1996 is underway. When the evaluation is complete, a report will be placed in the Library. Detailed assessments, such as the data requested, will not be available for some months. However, on investigation of the availability of this data, it has come to light that the information provided in my answer of 24 July may be incorrect, for which I apologise. I will write to the hon. Member with clarification in due course.