§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour if a court of referees was held at Walsall on Tuesday, 29th May, and, if so, the name of the chairman and the duration of the sitting; whether representatives of employers and employés were present; the number of cases adjudicated upon; and the number allowed and disallowed, respectively?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDA court of referees was held at Walsall on 29th May under the chairmanship of Mr. K. C. Berrington. The sitting lasted 1¾ hours. The representatives of employers and of insured contributors who had been summoned to attend the court failed to attend, and as they also failed to notify 1395W intended absence there was no opportunity to summon substitutes. In accordance with the Regulations cases may, with the consent of the claimants, be proceeded with in the absence of any members of the court other than the chairman. Eighteen cases of appeal were before the court, which recommended allowance of benefit in one case, and disallowance in 16 cases, one case being adjourned owing to the absence of the appellant.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour the names of the employers' and workpeople's representatives on the court of referees panel for Wednesbury and the date of their appointment; and if all such members have been afforded an opportunity of sitting?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDFor the purpose of determination of claims to unemployment benefit Wednesbury forms part of the area of the West Bromwich court of referees. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the Wednesbury members of the panels of this court, all of whom, with the exception of three recently appointed, have been called upon to serve.