HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2090-1
88. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour the number of appeals against the stopping of winter allowances received by the appeals tribunals this year and the number that were refused a hearing?

Mr. E. Brown

During March and April a total numbtr of 8,496 appeals against determinations of need were lodged, and in 412 of these cases leave to appeal was refused. I regret, however, that I am unable to distinguish in these figures appeals against the withdrawal of winter allowances.

Mr. Stewart

Is there any reason why these people should have been refused a hearing?

Mr. Brown

That, of course, is the decision for the tribunal concerned.

Mr. Stewart

But is it not the case that these people had no opportunity to put their case before the tribunal, and is there any reason why they should not be allowed to do so?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member has any particular case which he would like me to inquire into, I shall be glad to do so.

Mr. Thorne

In cases where men are refused the right of appeal, what remedy have they?

Mr. Brown

The answer is that under the regulations they have none.

Mr. R. Gibson

Do the figures given by the right hon. Gentleman include Scotland, and could he give the figures for Scotland separately?

Mr. Brown

These are the figures relating to a total of 578,550 cases.