§ 27. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that persons claiming dependants' benefit, who come under the Unemployment Assistance Board, have no appeal against the decision of the insurance officer to a statutory body akin to the court of referees; and whether he will issue a circular advising insurance officers of their responsibilities in this matter, at the same time laying it upon the Table of the House?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI assume that the hon. Member refers to the settlement of the appropriate maximum rate of insurance benefit by reference to which supplementary allowances under the Temporary Provisions Act of last year are assessed. Under the Statute this is a matter in the first instance for the officer of the board, who obtains advice when necessary from my Department. If any applicant is aggrieved by a determination in which an officer's decision in such a matter is involved, it is open to him to appeal to the appeal tribunal.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the insurance officer cannot raise the amount of money, because it is settled by what is called the notional rate, and therefore the man has no appeal against the decision of the insurance officer? Will the right hon. Gentleman give to the House the terms of the circular that he has issued to his officers in reference to this matter?