§ 5.Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered representations from Mr. G. McNamara, secretary of the Wigan Weavers' Association, relative to the treatment of a member of his union by the Wigan Assistance Board Tribunal, of which he is a member, Miss Rachel Winstanley, 144.-Bridgwater Street, Hindley, Wigan, aged 71 years, who claimed a supplementary old age pension; that the tribunal refused to accept the woman's statement, although it was not challeged to be incorrect, and based their decision accordingly, and that Mr. McNamara withdrew from the tribunal as a protest against the proceedings: and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have considered the representations to which may hon. Friend refers. Mr. McNamara appears to have taken exception to the fact that questions were put 539 by other members of the tribunal to the appellant to test the accuracy of statements she had made. I cannot see in what respect the tribunal exceeded its functions in so doing, and I do not think that any action on my part is called for. So far as any individual case is concerned the decision of a tribunal is final under the Act. It will be open to the pensioner to make a fresh application if she finds that the Regulations to be made under the Act recently passed by Parliament give her the necessary title.
§ Mr. DaviesCan the Minister tell us what is the use of Parliament laying down Regulations and then his own officers and the local tribunal declining to accept the facts, although they do not challenge them, and deciding what to do to the old age pensioners on the basis that the facts are incorrect, although those facts are not challenged by them?
§ Mr BrownI cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's general statements on the individual question which he has raised. The fact is that in this case there were facts brought out by the tribunal which led to their decision. It was their decision and not the decision of an official.