HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc914-5

Lords Amendment: In page 37, line 27, after "Act", insert: being in either case a barrister or advocate of not less than ten years' standing.

10.20 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. Lindgren)

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment specifies the legal qualifications to be looked for in the commissioner and deputy-commissioner. It makes clear what was always the intention of His Majesty's Government.

Lords Amendment: In page 38, line 15, at end, insert: and on any such reference or appeal the court may order the Minister to pay the costs of any other person, whether or not the decision is in his favour and whether or not the Minister appears on the reference or appeal.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Hon. Members will remember that I moved an exactly similar provision to the Industrial Injuries Act. There was a desire that we should make the position clear in the Bill, and by this Amendment we have done so.

Lords Amendment: In page 38, line 34, at end, insert: It is hereby declared that the power to prescribe procedure includes power to make provision as to the representation of one person, at any hearing of a case, by another person whether having professional qualifications or not.

Mr. Lindgren

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment is to make it plain that in prescribing by regulation the procedure for the determination of questions other than those dealt with in the High Court, the Minister shall have power to make provisions as to representation on behalf of the contributor.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This Amendment is a great improvement, and I should like to support it. It was a (blemish that the contributor should not be represented satisfactorily before. This remedies the position.

Question put, and agreed to. [Special Entry.]