§ 83. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Minister of Labour if he can give the number of persons disallowed benefit under the Anomalies Act; the number of cases submitted to the umpire; and in how many cases the decisions were reversed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Between 21st October, 1931, and the end of January, 1932, 165,060 claims were disallowed by courts of referees under the Anomalies Regulations. During the same period 1,028 appeals against disallowances by courts of referees in these cases were decided by the umpire. A complete analysis of the decisions in these cases is not available but the number allowed by the umpire was probably between 350 and 400.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs it not the case that this Act is being administered in a more unjust and cruel way than was intended by the Labour Government?
§ Mr. HUDSONNo, Sir. I do not think there is any ground for that statement.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAm I to understand that the umpire, in deciding these cases, has had no pressure put upon him to give decisions favourable to the Department?
§ Mr. HUDSONNo, Sir. There is certainly none.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Member aware that in a publication by an ex-Cabinet Minister the statement is made that the Umpire is not likely to give fair decisions?
§ Mr. McGOVERNI would like to ask for a reassurance that the Act is being carried out as it was intended to be carried out; strictly to the letter.
§ Mr. HUDSONIt is being carried out in accordance with its terms.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. Member aware that we have public assistance committees in Scotland, Tilsyth, for instance, which have been disbanded because they were operating the means test too leniently, and will he take steps to see that, instead of committees which act so humanely being disbanded, they will be encouraged to act humanely?