§ 11. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Social Security whether she is aware that at appeals tribunals the Minister's evidence on contributions is mandatory thus preventing argument by the appellant and causing the appellant to feel that the hearing is useless; and if she will take steps to enable appellants to dispute a Minister's evidence.
§ Mr. PentlandOn a claim for benefit any question about the satisfaction of the contribution conditions is reserved for the Minister's decision, but the claimant is always given an opportunity to state his case before the decision is given. Such decisions do not limit the appeal tribunals in considering other aspects of the claim.