§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Employment why Mr. David Johnson, 72 Rotherham bank, Carlton, near Worksop and Mr. Roy Bonser, 37 Prospect road, Worksop have been refused unemployment benefit by his Department's office at Worksop, Nottinghamshire after being laid off as National Coal Board contractors during the miners' strike when their workmates' claim has been accepted by the Donnington office; and why they have been waiting since 13 March for their appeal to be heard.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkUnemployment benefit entitle:merit is decided by statutorily appointed independent adjudicating authorities. Their independent appointment precludes Ministers from intervening in the adjudication process.
The claims made by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Bonser have been suspended until the adjudicating authorities have decided whether or not they should be disqualified. The question of appeal does not therefore arise.
I am told that the adjudicating authorities are making further inquiries to enable them to reach a decision.