§ 13. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour the reason why benefit granted by an insurance officer and subsequently paid to a Mr. Early, residing at 80, Rose Street, Glasgow, and signing at the South Side Exchange, has since been stopped, in view of the fact that no interference with payment of benefit should take place until the court of referees has given the person a chance to state his case; if she is aware that the man did not receive any such chance; and if she will take steps to have benefit paid until the man is heard before such court in accordance with the Statute?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNotice of a hearing of his claim by the court of referees on 10th June was sent to Mr. Early to the address given by him when he made his claim. He did not attend the hearing and the claim was disallowed. According to my information payment of benefit was not stopped before this decision was given by the court. Mr. Early subsequently informed the local office that the notice did not reach him. His case was re-heard by the court on 18th July and the claim was again disallowed, but leave to appeal was given.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Lady aware that the address sent to her was not given to the local Exchange by Mr. Early at any time, and that the manager admitted to me that the man never sent the address? Also, seeing that the decision is not unanimous and that leave of appeal to the Umpire has been given, is benefit now being resumed in view of the fact that there cannot be an offence until the Umpire has given a decision?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI will make further inquiries into the two points raised by my hon. Friend.