§ 8. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether it meets with the approval of his Department that the Unemployment Assistance Board should take into calculation a disability pension in determining the amount of assistance to be granted to unemployed persons, as typified in the case of Mr. G. E. Lewes, of Adare Street, Ogmore Vale, who sustained a reduction of 3s. 6d. per week in his disability pension?
Mr. STANLEYI am informed that disability pensions are treated by the Unemployment Assistance Board in accordance with the terms of the Act, which are repeated in the Regulations. If in any case it appears to an applicant that a determination has not been given in accordance with the Regulations, it is open to him to exercise the right of appeal which is given by the Act.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes not that violate the undertaking that was given that these pensions would not be taken into consideration?
Mr. STANLEYIf there has been any case of violation of something that is included in an Act of Parliament, it is clear that, if the applicant takes his case to appeal, he will win it.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWe understood that the first 20s. of pension would be entirely excluded. This man is in receipt of a pension of 11s. 6d., and has suffered a deduction of 3s. 6d.
Mr. STANLEYI think that the best course for the hon. Member to follow would be to apply to the Board and learn the exact facts of this particular case.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI have the facts.