HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 cc1553-4
24. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that an applicant for benefit who had appealed to the court of referees in Glasgow, on refusing to have her case heard by a, court that was not fully constituted on 27th January, had her ease deferred till 30th January, and had again to refuse that day to have her case decided by a court that was not fully constituted; and whether she will take steps to secure that when an applicant has once intimated refusal to be judged by an incomplete court on the next occasion that applicant is asked to appear a fully constituted court shall be present to deal with the claim?

Miss BONDFIELD

Every effort is made to secure a full court on every occasion, but if a member who has been summoned does not give notice that he is unable to attend, or gives short notice, it is not always possible to obtain a substitute in time.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the right hon. Lady make inquiries of the Glasgow Court of Referees and suggest that an applicant should not have to attend twice?

are available only in respect of the period since 19th April, 1928.

I will, if I may, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving such information as is available.

Following is the statement:

Miss BONDFIELD

As a matter of fact, I am following up that suggestion.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Is the right hon. Lady aware that in certain districts they find a difficulty in getting some of the workers' representatives to attend, in case they have to give a decision against the workers?

Mr. BUCHANAN

I wish that were true.

Dr. DAVIES

It is true.

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