§ 15. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that considerable delay occurred in June, July and August in securing the umpire's decisions; and will she see to it that greater expedition is shown in preparing cases for presentation to the umpire?
§ Miss BONDFIELDFrom' May onwards, there was a large increase in the number of appeals to the umpire, and some delay in obtaining decisions was, unfortunately, inevitable. Three additional deputy umpires were added at the beginning of June, and, in the absence of any further increase in the work, this should be sufficient for keeping abreast of it.
§ Mr. TINKERCan the right hon. Lady say what is the average time in which the decisions of courts of referees are given?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI could make such an average, but I think it would be really useless, in view of the fact that the period of spate would vitiate the average.
§ Mr. LESLIE BOYCEAre not these delays very largely due to the increase of unemployment?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI said so.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the right hon. Lady ask the officials to let the applicant know when an excessive time is taken in giving a decision?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI will certainly see whether that can be done.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the right hon. Lady see that benefit is not withheld pending the decision?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIt is not withheld now.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODBut it is withheld, as I know.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis difference of opinion must be settled at some other time.