35. Lieut.ColonelACLANDTROYTEasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in cases where men are unable to attend an appeal tribunal on account of illness, although their evidence is taken at their 743 houses by a member of the appeal tribunal and a representative of the British Legion, it would be in accordance with the regulations for a decision to be arrived at by another tribunal at which neither of these gentlemen was present?
§ Colonel GIBBS (Treasurer of the Household)I have been asked to answer this question. The practice of the tribunals in cases where an appellant is unable to attend is governed by Rules 31 and 32 of the Statutory Rules and Orders made for the Pensions Appeal Tribunals, a copy of which I am forwarding to my hon. Friend. Where possible, the visit is performed by a member of the court which will actually decide the appeal. In a few cases, however, it is not possible to arrange this, particularly in cases under Rule 32 where a court moves to another centre immediately after hearing the next-of-kin. In every case there is a written report of the visit,which is laid before the tribunal. The appellant may nominate any person he wishes to appear before the court when his case is finally decided. Members of the tribunal have been instructed to ascertain in every case whether the appellant wishes to nominate a representative and to notify any such representative of the time and place of hearing.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are cases on record in which individuals who happen to be in a sanatorium or similar institution cannot pay a representative to represent them at the appeal tribunal and the decision is given in their absence? In these cases does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that an appellant should be permitted a real representative?
§ Colonel GIBBSPerhaps my hon. Friend will put. down a question?