HC Deb 02 August 1922 vol 157 cc1483-4W
Mr. J. GUEST

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that persons residing in the Hemsworth, Yorks, area and appealing to the Lords Appeal Tribunal, held at Leeds, are in many cases called upon to travel 20 miles or more by road or rail; that this means a whole day away from home; that the only provision made by the Ministry for their welfare is a railway warrant for the journey; and that many of the appellants are weak and ill and require company on the journey and subsistence while in Leeds, which their circumstances will not permit; and if he will provide a larger allowance for the journey and also arrange for appeals to be heard at Doncaster and Wakefield?

Sir E. POLLOCK

I have been asked to reply. Arrangements are made for Pensions Appeal Tribunals to sit at centres which experience has shown are most suitable, having in view economy and the convenience of the majority of the appellants. The work of the past three years has shown that for the Yorkshire area Leeds is the most convenient centre. The Regulations made for the procedure of the Tribunals provide,inter alia, that there shall be paid to the appellant or to his next-of-kin, or other near relative, or guardian, if summoned before the Tribunal, and to any person accompanying an appellant who is certified by the Chairman of the Tribunal, the Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Central Office), the Area Office, or the Officers' Branch of the Ministry of Pensions, as the case may be, to be unfit to travel alone, such travelling and subsistence allowances, and in the case of a successful appeal by a man or his widow, such compensation for loss of time, as may be allowed in accordance with any rules for the time being in force in respect of the matter, and as may be certified by the Chairman to have been properly expended or incurred. Particulars as to the travelling expenses and subsistence allowance which may be claimed are shown on the back of the Notice of Hearing issued to each appellant not less than five clear days before his or her case is heard.