§ 34. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that since the operation of the new Unemployment Insurance Act persons who are to appear before Courts of Referees in Glasgow are summoned from the Edinburgh office instead of Glasgow, thus causing delay in notification, and often little time for persons involved to consult trade union 939 officials; and if he will take steps to have the former practice restored?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am not aware that the present arrangement involves delay or inconvenience to appellants generally, but I shall be glad to go into any specific cases if the hon. Member will give me particulars.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that insurance officers have gone there from Edinburgh to try these cases, and that other insurance officers are sent from Glasgow to Greenock to hear cases? Would it not be better to return to the old system, under which Glasgow had local autonomy in dealing with its affairs?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir. As far as insurance officers and officials are concerned, the inconvenience is not such as to warrant a change back. If the hon. Member has any evidence in regard to claimants being inconvenienced, I should be glad to hear it in regard to any case.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that most claimants only receive notice- the night before the claim is to be heard I Does he think that that is sufficient notice to give them as opportunity to turn up at the Court of Referees?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member says that most claimants only receive notification the night before the case is to be heard, and he will give me particulars which substantiate his case, I will inquire into it.