HC Deb 23 May 1938 vol 336 cc850-2
63. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Labour whether the supplementary unemployment allowance, which has just been suspended, was intended in the first instance as a winter allowance or an allowance to meet the general increase in the cost of living; and if the former, why it was not applied to all applicants alike instead of as a discretionary measure?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)

As was stated my my right hon. Friend in reply to the hon. Member for Merthyr (Mr. S. O. Davies) on 12th May, these supplementary allowances were granted on account of the concurrence of the increase in the cost of living with the existence of winter conditions. Under the present Regulations neither of these circumstances would have been legally sufficient by itself.

Mr. Gallacher

Did not the Minister make it clear that it was legally permissible for the Board to make an allowance in the event of circumstances arising, such as a high increase in the cost of living, but that there was no legal sanction for the winter allowance? Is not that the position?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The matter was discussed very fully during the seven-hour Debate last week, and I do not think it possible to give any further information by way of question and answer.

Mr. Gallacher

But is it legal in present circumstances to make a winter allowance? Is it not the case that the legal power is to make the allowance if the cost of living rises beyond a particular point?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As was said during the Debate, the legal power arises from the existence of two circumstances together, but would not arise were one only to exist.

64. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Labour whether claimants for unemployment assistance are entitled to be accompanied by a friend when interviewing area officers about their case?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There are no definite rules governing this matter, which is within the discretion of the Board's officers, but I am informed that in ordinary circumstances an applicant is free to be accompanied by a personal friend if he so desires.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that some of the officers can seriously intimidate and take advantage of claimants, would not the Minister make it a condition that any application has a right to take a representative along with him? If the Minister is not satisfied, I will bring one or two cases to him.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In practice no difficulty arises in this matter, and every attempt is made by the Board's officers to make these interviews as informal and easy as possible for the unemployed person to state his case.

Mr. James Griffiths

Will the Minister state that it is desirable that an applicant should take a friend with him, that that friend should be received by the area officer, and that this practice is desirable in the interests of good administration?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is certainly generally desirable that if an applicant wishes to take a personal friend he should be in a position to do so.