§ 65. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the recipients of unemployment benefit are not given notice that the benefit is going to be stopped; that invariably they are not allowed to attend when their cases are considered by the public assistance committee or given an opportunity to appeal against the determination arrived at; and whether he will consider providing for these purposes by regulation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)As regards the first part of the question, all claimants whose rights to insurance benefit are about to expire are notified, and are given an opportunity to apply for transitional payments. If the public assistance authority decides that they are not in need of transitional payments they are notified, usually on their next attendance at the Exchange. As regards the second part of the question, the practice of authorities as to the attendance of applicants is a matter for their discretion and under the Order-in Council their determinations are final. I am not aware that any authority would invariably refuse to allow an applicant to attend, or would deny him an opportunity to make further representations with regard to his case.
§ Mr. CROOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread indignation that is felt all over the country at the method used in administering this measure of economy?