HC Deb 29 June 1933 vol 279 cc1640-2
8. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to such cases as that of a young man named T. G. R. Wood, Sunnybrow Colliery, County Durham, who, being in receipt of a quarterly pension of £3 7s. 6d., due on 30th June, 1933, has been informed that his transitional benefit of 15s. 3d., and his father's and mother's benefit of 23s. 3d., has been stopped for that week end; and, as he has appealed to the commissioner, who refuses to make any concession, will he consider taking steps to secure an appeal to the umpire in such cases?

Sir H. BETTERTON

There is no provision in the present law for an appeal to the umpire. I am sure, however, that the commissioners would be prepared to consider any special circumstances there may be in such cases if they are brought to their notice.

Mr. BATEY

Is the Minister aware that in this case an appeal was made to the commissioner and he refused to do anything? Have these cases a right of appeal somewhere?

Sir H. BETTERTON

As I have said in the answer, there is, under the present law, no right of appeal to the umpire. With regard to this particular case, the first time I heard of it was when I saw it on the Paper, and if the hon. Gentleman desires, I will send a copy of the question as my answer to the commissioner.

Mr. BATEY

I thank the right hon. Gentleman. If there is no right of appeal to the umpire, will the Minister keep this matter in mind when he is drafting his new legislation, so that these cases may have an appeal like other cases?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am considering every aspect of this very complicated question.

Mr. BATEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep this matter in mind?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is this £3 7s. 6d. the amount that is paid to a reservist, and is the money which is received by reservists because they have four, five or seven years still to serve, reviewed by the commissioners?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I know nothing about this case; therefore I do not think that I can answer any question of that kind.