HC Deb 14 February 1924 vol 169 cc988-9
27. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which has been expressed by appellants to the appeals tribunals and by Members of the House of Commons with some of the decisions of these tribunals, he will be prepared to set up a small committee to consider the précis of the appeal, on which the tribunal has based its decision, where a plea for such consideration is made by some responsible person or body and of giving the committee power, if in their opinion the evidence justifies it, to refer the case back to the tribunal for further consideration and that the appellants at such rehearing shall be allowed to be represented by a friend?

Mr. ROBERTS

This matter is receiving my consideration.

Captain BERKELEY

Will the Minister consider discontinuing the practice of sending a man's file from the Ministry to the tribunal—a file to which the pensioner is very often denied access in putting forward his case?

Mr. ROBERTS

I will certainly take a note of that point.

Mr. McENTEE

May we hope at an early date to know the result of the Minister's consideration?

Mr. ROBERTS

The interpretation of "an early date" is somewhat difficult. There are many points which claim attention, and they shall he dealt with as soon as possible.

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