HC Deb 10 March 1926 vol 192 cc2281-2
65. Mr. POTTS

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Regulation is still in force permitting an unemployed person summoned to appear before the rota or other committee to claim to be represented by a trade union official or other representative, such representative attending at his own personal expense; and is he aware that on 4th March last the Barnsley National Unemployed Workers' Committee Movement representative attended a rota committee as hitherto and was declined admittance, the committee stating that they had passed a resolution that in future no such representative would be admitted?

Mr. BETTERTON

The rule referred to is still operative. I am having inquiries made into the particular case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. POTTS

May I ask whether, presuming that the same person, a trade union leader, presented himself to another rota committee, he would be admitted in the usual course under the Regulations?

Mr. BETTERTON

I think I must have notice of that. This question refers to a particular Workers' Committee movement, and this is the case I am inquiring into. The general rule I have referred to.

Mr. POTTS

The point I want to ask is, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Regulations permit the attendance of any trade union leader or other representative, and this trade union leader is objected to, and is told by the rota committee that they have been authorised to pass a resolution to prohibit him from attending in the future?

Mr. BETTERTON

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is putting a hypothetical case, or whether he is referring to the case on the Paper. If the former, I must have notice of the particular case, because I cannot answer a hypothetical question; but if it is the latter, I will have inquiries made into it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Is there anything in the Regulations to prevent an applicant bringing a representative, whether he belongs to a trade union or not?

Mr. BETTERTON

That I could not say without refreshing my memory as to the Regulations. I do not think they do, but I am speaking from memory.