§ 35. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Pensions whether it has been the practice of his Department to furnish appellants to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal with information in regard to the precise disabilities in respect of which their appeals are being considered; whether this practice has always obtained; and, if not, whether in any other case where different procedure applied, and where the appellant disputes that a particular disability was considered by the tribunal, he will, on request, be furnished with a copy of the terms of reference to the tribunal in respect of his case?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The practice of furnishing appellants, as well as the tribunals, with a statement of the evidence in connection with their appeals has not always obtained. My right hon. Friend could not undertake at this date to furnish copies of the précis of evidence in past cases which have been decided by the tribunals.
§ Mr. KELLYWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the furnishing of this information in order to give the appellants a chance of knowing what they have to answer?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIt is not part of my statutory duty to do that, but it is now always done in order to assist the appellant, as far as possible, in his appeal.
§ Mr. KELLYDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair that the appellant should not know what is being considered by the tribunal, seeing that upon their decision his pension depends?
§ Mr. MACLEANIf an appellant asks to be supplied with this information, will the Parliamentary Secretary give an undertaking that it will be supplied?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI cannot undertake that the Ministry will do that; but they will consider in any case whether it is possible.