HC Deb 23 November 1927 vol 210 cc1783-4
39. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour by what method it is intended to appoint the new chairman of the court of referees; and what qualifications are required for the post?

Mr. BETTERTON

Under Section 13 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, chairmen of Courts of Referees are appointed by the Minister and no amendment on this point is proposed. The the last weeks in April, July, and October, in the years 1926 and 1927?

Mr. BETTERTON

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

qualifications of chairmen are not laid down, in the Acts, but in practice legal qualifications and, if possible, judicial experience are required, and, among other conditions, persons connected with any organisation of employers or employed persons, and candidates for Parliament are regarded as ineligible.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Seeing that a large number of chairmen are to be appointed, is it intended to advertise these posts for open competition among the legal profession?

Mr. BETTERTON

What we do is to consult County Court Judges and, if necessary, Judges of the High Court to advise us as to the qualifications of the applicants.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that most of these persons consulted are drawn from a small and privileged class, will they not advertise the posts to open competition and allow the selection to be as fair as possible?

Mr. BETTERTON

We certainly endeavour to make the selection as fair as possible, but I cannot give any undertaking that we will advertise them.