HC Deb 28 June 1938 vol 337 cc1681-2
19. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in cases where persons appeal to the Board of Health against either refusal of relief or the amount received, such decision is given in all cases without the person appealign being heard, and that in Glasgow the person so appealign is never heard at any time in person by a committee; and whether he will take steps to see that in all cases the person is given the right of hearing?

Mr. Colville

In considering statutory complaints of inadequate relief, it is the practice of the Department, if they have any doubt about the adequacy or suitability of the relief offered by the local authority, to remit the complaint to a general inspector to make local inquiry; and the complainer is visited and interviewed at his home whenever the facts of the case indicate that this course is necessary or desirable. This practice is followed in dealign with complaints from any part of Scotland, including Glasgow.

Mr. Maxton

If this is to be a proper appeal of a quasi-judicial kind, why cannot the person affected have the right to appear personally when his case is being adjudicated on?

Mr. Colville

I am not prepared to suggest an alteration of the Department's practice without evidence that the present practice is unsatisfactory, and I am told that in fact there is little complaint of the manner in which appeals are conducted.

Mr. McGovern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that frequently in the course of our duties we get applicants who have not been seen, and that a false case has been presented to the committee against the individual and he has had no chance to rebutt false evidence brought forward?

Mr. Colville

If the hon. Member has a case in mind and would like to show it to me, I will look into it, but I have seen no evidence to suggest that I ought to propose an alteration.

Mr. Maxton

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this question as being a complaint against the present practice?