HC Deb 28 June 1938 vol 337 cc1717-8
72. Mr. John

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that area officers in the Rhondda are sending unemployed persons who apply for nourishment allowance under the Unemployment Assistance Board's regulation to Pontypridd to be medically examined; and whether he will state the reason for the practice, seeing that each applicant for nourishment produces a certificate from his or her medical attendant certifying as to the need of nourishment allowance?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I dealt with this matter in my reply on 17th February last to the hon. Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. Mainwaring) when I stated that these arrangements under which certain cases are referred to regional medical officers have been in operation since 1935. The procedure is only used in exceptional cases.

Mr. Bevan

If a medical certificate is sent with the applicant in the first place, is he then sent to a doctor as local medical referee?

Mr. Brown

In a few very exceptional cases.