Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Sheila Gilmore Excerpts
Tuesday 8th November 2011

(13 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Clarke of Nottingham Portrait Mr Kenneth Clarke
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I am very sorry to hear what the hon. Lady has said, but I am not sure whether the issue is the responsibility of my Department; it may be the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. However, I will certainly check, because it is extremely important for advice to be available at what is a difficult time for many people. Advice on debt is, unfortunately, one of the things that many people require—not only foreign Governments, but a fair number of our own citizens.

Sheila Gilmore Portrait Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

A few months ago, the Minister said that the backlog of appeals on social security matters would be resolved through the employment of more people. That was before the summer, but the waiting times seem to be as long as ever. Why is that?

Jonathan Djanogly Portrait Mr Djanogly
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

There is still a significant number of appeals, but the number is now being stabilised and the delays are being reduced.