HC Deb 31 March 1999 vol 328 cc808-9W
Dr. Ladyman

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will review the expenses paid to witnesses attending employment tribunal hearings. [80125]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The expenses payable to parties, witnesses and others attending employment tribunal hearings were reviewed in December and increases took effect from 1 February. The following expenses may now be claimedtravel expenses in excess of £5 including, exceptionally, the cost of travel from overseas where this is in the interests of justice; overnight expenses of up to £81 per night (previously £63.30) in central London and £71 (previously £54.30) elsewhere. Additional payment may be made to people with a disability where there is a shortage of suitable local accommodation within a reasonable price range; a loss of earnings allowance of up to £45 per day (previously £40); child and adult care allowances of up to £5 per hour (previously limited to child care and a limit of £2 per hour). Additional payments may be made where special needs are established; the cost of a helper where, because of a medical condition, a party/witness needs to be accompanied; reasonable charges for professional interpreters, including interpreters for the deaf/blind; and reasonable charges for the attendance of medical professionals or the production of medical reports.

These changes will be particularly important in responding to the needs of those with family commitments or who have a disability. They will be of extra benefit to those who need the money most and will ensure that people can obtain access to the tribunals.

Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce a statutory right to time off work to serve as an employment tribunal wing member. [79009]

Mr. Ian McCartney

Section 50(2) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides the right to reasonable time off work for this purpose.

Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he plans to take to increase the number of wing members of employment tribunals from minority ethnic groups. [79008]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Government are reviewing the process of recruitment and appointment of employment tribunal wing members and a consultation paper setting out our proposals has been sent to the social partners.

A major aim of the review is to ensure that members are drawn from as wide a variety of backgrounds as possible, including the ethnic minorities. Measures to achieve this include placing advertisements which will foster applications from the ethnic minorities amongst others, and ensuring that all stages of the recruitment and selection process are in line with equal opportunities principles. We are taking advice on this from bodies such as the Commission for Racial Equality.