HC Deb 07 December 1932 vol 272 cc1614-6
52. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Minister of Labour whether, since he appointed a commissioner on 13th October to administer transitional payments under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in the county borough of Rotherham, he has received any protests from organised sections of the community or from individuals as to the manner in which the administration has been carried out?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

My right hon. Friend has received in all three letters written by individuals, each dealing with one case, and two of these from the same person. He has received no representations from organised bodies.

Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE

How many examinations has the Commissioner made?

Mr. HUDSON

The last figure I saw was 3,500.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Department received a protest from an organised body through myself?

Mr. HUDSON

Not that I am aware of.

53. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the salaries of the 10 area officers, 10 deputy area officers, and two chief officers for the central office who have been appointed to administer transitional payments in the county of Durham in addition to the commissioner and his two deputies?

Mr. HUDSON

The salaries of the clerk and deputy clerk to the commissioners are£750–£850 and£400–£550 respectively. In four of the areas the salaries of the officer and deputy officer in charge are respectively£400–£550 and £200–£400; in the other six areas they are respectively£200–£400 and£200–£250. In each case cost of living bonus is added at the appropriate rate.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. Gentleman give any idea as to the extra annual cost?

Mr. HUDSON

I hope the appointment of the commissioners will produce a saving.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the statement is being freely made in Durham that the extra annual cost of this administration is going to be round about £20,000 a year?

Mr. HUDSON

I think it would be premature to decide what the total cost will be, but I should imagine that it will be exceeded by the total saving brought about.

Mr. LAWSON

If I put down a question as to cost, will the hon. Gentleman answer it

Mr. HUDSON

I cannot do that until the commissioners have been there for some little time.

Mr. BATEY

What does the Department estimate will be saved by appointing these commissioners?

Mr. HUDSON

As far as I know, we have made no exact estimate.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Is there power to surcharge some of the people who have failed to do their duty?