§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Employment why his Department's office at Worksop, Nottinghamshire has insisted miners sent home from Marston colliery because of a winders' strike on 5 March have to appeal against the decision not to pay the unemployment benefit when benefit in respect of Kiverton colliery men in the same dispute has been paid out by the Donnington, Yorkshire office; and what is the reason for the delay in hearing the appeal.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkInquiries indicate that the miners in question are from Shireoaks colliery and not Marston, as quoted.
A decision has been given by the statutorily appointed independent adjudicating authorities who decide benefit claims that a disqualification from receiving unemployment benefit applies to miners from Shireoaks colliery. An appeal to the national insurance local tribunal has been lodged against that decision.
The different adjudicating authorities considering unemployment benefit claims from miners at Kiverton colliery decided that disqualification was not appropriate in their case.
The independent appointment of the adjudicating authorities prevents a Minister from either intervening in the decision making and appeal processes or commenting on the validity of a decision.