HC Deb 25 April 1940 vol 360 cc339-41
4. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the clerk to the Unemployment Assistance Board Appeal Tribunal at Doncaster is allowed to decide whether a person shall represent an applicant before the tribunal; and whether this is in accordance with the regulations governing appeals?

Mr. E. Brown

I am informed that in the case to which the hon. Member refers the clerk to the tribunal did no more than confirm, when consulted by the chairman, that while the Appeal Tribunal rules provide that an applicant may be accompanied by a friend, they do not provide that in the applicant's absence a friend may conduct the case on his behalf.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that unless there is representation for persons who have been unemployed, and have just obtained a new situation, there is a danger that a man, not putting in an appearance at the tribunal, may lose his job?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member was kind enough to send me two letters, and I am having further inquiries made into this particular case.

Mr. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that where a person who has a job, and is trying to hold it down, the clerk to the Appeal Tribunal will not stand in his way?

Mr. Brown

I am not sure that the facts relate to that statement.

7. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour the names of persons on the Appeal Tribunals dealing with cases in the Pontefract area of the Unemployment Assistance Board; and how they were appointed?

Mr. Brown

I will obtain the desired information and send it to the hon. Member.

Mr. George Griffiths

Could I have the same information sent to me, because my division is alongside the other?

Mr. Brown

I do not think it is done by divisions. The hon. Member is interested in particular Unemployment Assistance Board areas, and it will have to be by areas. I will do my best, if he will put down a Question.

Mr. Griffiths

Does not the Minister know that a lot of Hemsworth men have to go to Pontefract, and that that is why I am asking for this statement?

Mr. Brown

I gathered that, and that is why I asked for a precise Question to be put down, so that I can give an answer which the hon. Member really wants and not information he does not want.