HC Deb 07 March 1935 vol 298 cc2099-100
1. Mr. PARKINSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons in the Wigan exchange area who have been unemployed continuously during the last four years, and also over three years, two years, and one year, respectively, showing men and women separately?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

This information is not at present available, but I am considering whether it will be practicable to obtain it.

2. Mr. PARKINSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the resentment against the appointment of Mr. Jackson, solicitor, as chairman of the appeals tribunal for the Wigan district, on the grounds that he is inexperienced in the administration of unemployment insurance, that he is resident outside the district, out of touch with the conditions of the people, and that the appointment was made without consultation with any organisation representing workers or any authority acquainted with local circumstances; and will he give further consideration to this appointment, with a view to appointing a person who is in touch with local circumstances and requirements?

Mr. STANLEY

I appointed Mr. Jackson after full consideration, and I have no reason to suppose that he will not prove a capable chairman of the appeals tribunal.

Mr. PARKINSON

Has the Minister received any letters of protest on that account from any organisation representing workers?

Mr. STANLEY

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it a fact that workers' representatives have not been consulted with reference to this appeals tribunal?

Mr. STANLEY

There is a workers' representative on the tribunal.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not true to say that in the case of these particular appointments the workers' organisations are not consulted as compared with the courts of referees, where they are taken into consideration?

Mr. STANLEY

Nor are the employers consulted.

Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this appointment has created great suspicion in the Wigan district?

Mr. STANLEY

Whatever suspicion there may be will be dispelled by the conduct of this gentleman on the tribunal.