HC Deb 10 February 1958 vol 582 cc16-7
30. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when he proposes to implement the recommendation of the Franks Committee that there should be an automatic right of appeal from the local appeal tribunal to the commissioner under the National Insurance and National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Acts.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have in course of preparation draft regulations for submission to the National Insurance Advisory Committee providing for automatic right of appeal from local tribunals in National Insurance matters. The giving of a similar right in Industrial Injury cases, however, requires legislation.

Mr. Prentice

Will the Minister do everything he can to avoid delay in considering these matters, bearing in mind that cases coming under the Industrial Injuries Act at the moment possibly cause the least justifiable delay as the trade unions have no automatic right of appeal under that Act as they have under the National Insurance Act? Is it not possible, as an interim measure, to suggest to chairmen of local appeals tribunals that they might give automatic right of appeal as these changes are on the way?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On the industrial injuries side, I can say nothing about legislation, but I should have thought that giving the advice the hon. Member suggests would be somewhat contrary to the general spirit of the Franks Committee recommendations. Before making regulations on National Insurance appeals, it is necessary to submit them to the National Insurance Advisory Committee, which has to allow time for complaints to be made after advertisement.