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Mr. Gale: The hon. Lady is not replying--
Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Lord): Order.
Angela Eagle: We have made it easier for clients to get a full explanation and for us to put mistakes right more easily. We have made changes to the way in which
appeals are handled, to cut down on the time that people have to wait for a decision. That is now down to an average of 14 weeks.
These and the other changes that we have introduced are the first step in modernising delivery. We want to make the system more accessible for potential claimants and more straightforward for our staff. We want to provide claimants with advice to help them with their claims, but we cannot stop wrong advice being given by third parties.
People should be advised of the need to claim benefit at the right time. Such advice is available from our offices and from other sources, such as citizens advice bureaux. Leaflets are available on how to claim each benefit. In addition, in tragic circumstances such as those in Mrs. Smith's case, the registrar issues a registration or
notification of death certificate. That can be sent to the nearest social security office and can be accepted as a claim for benefit.
I recognise that in Mrs. Smith's case, the delay because of the inquest may have caused the confusion. However, the information is available, and there are voluntary organisations that can help and give advice in such terrible circumstances.
I am grateful to the hon. Member for North Thanet for raising the sad case that we have considered, even though, despite examining it carefully, I am afraid that I am unable to offer much comfort to him or his constituent.
Question put and agreed to.
Adjourned accordingly at twenty minutes to Eight o'clock.
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