§ 5. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour what complaints he has had with regard to the operations of tribunals dealing with the mobile class of young women and their failure to give adequate consideration to domestic circumstances; and whether he is prepared to amend present instructions and provide facilities for all complaining parties to appeal against the decisions of the tribunals?
§ Mr. BevinI am inquiring into the three cases forwarded to the Ministry by my hon. Friend and will communicate with him about them as soon as possible. I would, however, point out that in two of the cases the reference is to the procedure before the hardship committees. This procedure is statutory, with certain rights of appeal to the umpire, and I have no power to alter it. In the other case it is stated that the woman concerned was unable for reasons of health to continue in a job to which she had been directed, but it is not stated whether her case went before a tribunal or with what result.
§ Mr. MainwaringIs my right hon. Friend aware that in each of the cases that appeared before the hardship committee it was specifically laid down that no right of appeal existed? If, therefore, when he is investigating the cases he finds that the suggestion of hardship and under-estimation of tragic domestic circumstances is supported, will he take steps to see that a right of appeal exists?
§ Mr. MainwaringThe form upon which the decision of the hardship committee is communicated to the individual states that no right of appeal is allowed.
§ Mr. MainwaringIn view of the unsatisfactory replies made by the Minister in regard to this matter, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at a convenient date.