HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 cc1154-5W
Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Minister of Labour why a barrister or solicitor, who is a friend or relative of an applicant before the umpire and hardship committees is entitled to be heard in the applicant's behalf, whereas a lawyer, professionally employed, cannot be heard; whether he is aware that this regulation lays under a disadvantage the great majority of applicants who have no friend or relative in the legal profession; and whether, seeing that professional representation by trade union officials is permitted, he will reconsider this regulation?

Mr. E. Brown

In accordance with the current regulations applicants may be represented by counsel or a solicitor at the hearing of appeals before the umpire. With regard to hearings before hardship committees all applicants may be represented by a personal friend or relative. I am satisfied from experience of the way in which the committees work that those applicants whose friend or relative is not a barrister or solicitor do not thereby suffer any disadvantage and no further amendment of the regulations on this point is proposed.