Ms Joan Gordon:

The independence of the office is paramount to us and it has been observed and nurtured closely over many years. There is no sustained or concerted criticism relating to the independence of the office, me or the appeals officers and we are required to carry out our statutory functions independently. Having a relationship with the Department and my being on the management board does not tarnish that independence.

The fact we have a relationship and that I am on the management board does not tarnish that independence. As the Secretary General has said, there are many in the Department who think we are far too independent. If evidence was needed, it is to be found in the high number of successful appeals. For example, at the end of October-----