asked the Minister of Pensions how many appeals have been submitted during the six months ended 30th June to the independent appeal tribunals; and how many of such appeals have been accepted.

During the six months ended 30th June, about 9,300 entitlement appeals were sent to the tribunals. I could not without considerable labour say how many of these appeals were heard during the period in question or with what result. 14,480 appeals were actually dealt with by the tribunals during the period. 2,860 were allowed, 4,660 disallowed, 5,130 adjourned and 1,830 struck out. Of the last figure, 1,130 were struck out at my Department's request because after further review entitlement had been admitted.

In view of that answer, would the hon. Gentleman agree that it was a very wise move on the part of the Conservative Coalition Government to introduce this Measure?