HC Deb 25 April 1940 vol 360 cc344-5
12. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Federation of Grocers' Associations protesting against the regulation relating to hardship committees by which legal representation is limited to cases in which lawyers are relatives or personal friends of the applicant, and expressing the opinion that this regulation is unjust to thousands of shopkeepers and their assistants, also to working people generally; and whether he has any statement to make?

Mr. E. Brown

I have considered the resolution referred to. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18th April to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones), a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. Morrison

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider some modification of this, in view of the fact that it is a piece of class legislation of a very bad type, and that 90 per cent. of these people cannot get any legal representation?

Mr. Brown

On the contrary. The opinion of the Trades Union Congress was opposite to that when we invited their opinion in order to make an alteration recently. I have given a number of answers on this matter, and perhaps I may send them to the hon. Member in order to show him how fully the matter is being considered.