HC Deb 30 April 1936 vol 311 cc1064-5
8. Mr. DAVID ADAMS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has anything further to report regarding the application of the Beamish miners for a rehearing of their case?

Mr. E. BROWN

I understand that the umpire has decided that he would not be justified in granting a rehearing of this case since the relevant facts were fully before him at the original hearing.

Mr. ADAMS

There is no question that additional evidence has been submitted and that the men are suffering great injustice owing to the refusal of the umpire to have a re-hearing, and will the Minister see that a re-hearing is granted?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that I have no powers at all in the matter. The umpire has final statutory authority. The hon. Member asked a question and I have given the answer.

Mr. BATEY

Is it not usual in a special case to have a re-hearing, and seeing that this case is so important, would it not be wise to have a re-hearing?

Mr. BROWN

It is a question whether or not there are any new relevant facts, and in this case the umpire has decided that there are not.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to examine the case, and if he agrees that the evidence is new, will he agree to a re-hearing?

Mr. BROWN

I have had a good deal of correspondence about it with various hon. Members, including the hon. Member who put the question.

Mr. ADAMS

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question at the earliest opportunity.