§ 40. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour the reason for the increase in the cost of the office of umpire from £4,730 in 1927 to £9,475 in 1928; and also the courts of referees from £26,450 in 1927 to £210,000 in 1928; and how much is to be paid to the umpire and to the referees and chairman of the referees?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDOwing to the abolition of the Minister's discretion with regard to extended benefit by the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1927, a 408 great number of claims which have hitherto been dealt with by the local employment committees will be referred to the courts of referees and the umpire, with a consequent increase in the cost attributable to the latter. The salary of the umpire at present is £1,650 per annum; chairmen of courts of referees receive 2½ guineas per sitting, together with travelling and subsistence allowances; other members of courts of referees receive travelling and subsistence allowances and compensation for lost time.
§ Mr. BATEYDoes not the Minister consider that it would have been better to utilise some of this money in relieving unemployed workmen rather than in giving it to these well-paid officials?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDPerhaps I am to understand from that that the hon. Member is in favour of the Minister retaining his discretion in the matter, and adjudicating on benefit?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it not meant that it would have been better to retain local committees rather than have courts of referees?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI should like to have the hon. Member's opinion on a more suitable occasion.