HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc7-8W
76. Sir J. Hobson

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement with regard to his obligation to state reasons for rejecting a claim for the repayment of Selective Employment Tax or for a premium, or to reject such claims within any specified time.

Mr. Gunter

The local offices of my Ministry have been instructed not to reject such a claim without previous discussion with the employer, normally including a visit to his premises. They will deal with all claims as quickly as possible and any necessary discussions will be treated as a matter of urgency. If it nevertheless proves necessary to reject a claim they will state the reason. I am not however under a legal obligation to state reasons for rejecting a claim or to reject it within any specified time.

77. Sir J. Hobson

asked the Minister of Labour whether a citizen is entitled to put forward for determination a question to which the Industrial Tribunals (Selective Employment Payments) Regulations 1966 (S.I., 1966, No. 1231) apply before the Minister of Labour has given his reasons for taking a view of that question or when he has rejected a claim for repayment of the tax or for a premium without stating reasons.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Yes.