HC Deb 04 May 1944 vol 399 cc1449-50
4. Mr. Hugh Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour if he will issue instructions that the findings of local appeals boards on appeals arising out of the Essential Work Order are communicated to all parties concerned in the case.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. The local appeal boards make recommendations to the National Service officer; they do not give decisions. Under the Order the National Service officer has to consider the recommendation and make a decision. He communicates his decision to the parties and, in my view, nothing more is necessary or indeed desirable.

Mr. Lawson

May I ask my right hon. Friend if the National Service officer communicates his decision to the appeal board?

Mr. Bevin

If the appeal is against a decision of the National Service officer, then, obviously, knowledge of that appeal is before the board.

Mr. Lawson

If a National Service officer does not carry out a recommendation made by a board, does, he tell the appeal board that he has not carried it out?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. Under the Orders I am responsible. He acts on my behalf and, if there is any question arising on that decision, it is for me to consider it.

Mr. Bowles

What happens when the recommendation is not carried out?

Mr. Bevin

That is another question.

Mr. Silverman

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when the appeal of a worker succeeds, and when, nevertheless, the National Service officer refuses to act on the advice of the appeal board, it is communicated to the worker that his appeal has in fact succeeded but that the National Service officer does not act on it?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. Many questions arise on these appeal boards, and the National Service officer, acting on my behalf, is responsible. If they care to appeal against him, they can.

Mr. Silverman

Whilst fully appreciating that the appeal boards are only advisory, may I ask would it not be as well to let the man know that the appeal board decided in his favour, but that the original decision stood, for other reasons?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, but in many cases when the appeal has been the other way, I have been asked to review it. It is not all one-sided, and the present practice has on the whole given general satisfaction.