§ 63. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of William Hughes, of Seaham Harbour, whose unemployment allowance has been reduced by 3s. 6d. per week on the ground that he has a son living in the neighbourhood who is assumed to be contributing to his parents' income; whether he is aware that the said son does not, and will not, make any contribution; and whether the responsible officer will be instructed not to reduce the allowance on an assumption which has no foundation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI am informed that this case was considered by a fully constituted appeal tribunal before which the applicant appeared in person and that the tribunal unanimously confirmed the determination. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, this decision is final.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether, in fact, this reduction, on the assumption that there was such a contribution as is mentioned in the question, is not a distinct violation of the standstill agreement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe hon. Member has asked me a question about a specific case, and I have told him that it has already been considered by the appeal tribunal, that their decision has been given, and that the Minister has no power to interfere. The machinery for the use of the appeal tribunal is as much a part of the standstill legislation as any other part of it.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf the appeal tribunal is ignoring the Statute, will the hon. and gallant Member not intervene?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe appeal tribunal is part of the Statute.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSUnder what Section of the Act can the tribunal give a decision of this kind, when the man has to live in the home and this single man is living outside his home? Therefore, they are breaking the Act in reducing this man's allowance by 3s. 6d.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI have not the Act in my hand, so I cannot quote the Section, but part of the standstill Act relates to the use of the appeal tribunal to hear cases which are referred to it. This is a particular case which has been referred to it in accordance with the legal requirement, and the appeal tribunal has heard the case.