HL Deb 03 September 1939 vol 114 cc977-9

Brought from the Commons; and read 1a.

Then, Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended:

3.47 p.m.

The EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I think I can explain its object quite briefly. It is to provide grants in respect of injury or death caused by air raids or other operations of war among the civil population. My right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made it clear in a statement which he made on January 31 last, that loss or injury from war ought not to be treated as merely the concern of those who directly suffered from it, but must be regarded as an affair of the whole community. In accordance with this policy he spoke these words: A scheme is being worked out to cover casualties to civilians, its purport being that in addition to persons enrolled as volunteers in air-raid or other such services who might be injured or killed while on duty, the scheme would apply to casualties among civilians wholly or mainly dependent for their livelihood upon their employment or occupation. Provision will also have to be made in the scheme for other cases where need arises. The working out of a scheme to comply with these conditions was entrusted by the Government to my honourable friend the Minister of Pensions. The present Bill is designed to give the Minister of Pensions authority to formulate the scheme in agreement with the Treasury and to make the various grants which may be made under it. I am advised that a scheme has already been prepared and in accordance with Clause 2 (3) it will be laid before the House with the least possible delay. Your Lordships will observe that the Bill covers civil defence volunteers and persons engaged in employment or business. I do not know whether there are any further remarks I can usefully add, but I think your Lordships will observe from reading the measure that it is one which really requires little explanation. It is, I think, quite straightforward. I beg to move.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Munster.)

3.50 p.m.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, the only question I should like to put to the noble Earl concerns when this measure will come into effect. Is it retrospective from the time the scheme is prepared and approved? In other words, suppose someone was killed somewhere to-night, would his dependants receive compensation retrospectively?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, I understand that Clause 9 of the Bill states that the Act will come into operation, or shall be deemed to have come into operation, on such date as His Majesty may by Order in Council appoint. From that date, in answer to the question which the noble Lord raises, those persons will be covered.

LORD STRABOLGI

May I ask again, when will that date be—because obviously this Bill was printed weeks ago—and will it be retrospective?

EARL STANHOPE

I understand there is a meeting of the Privy Council this afternoon or this evening and therefore it will probably appear there as soon as it has received the Royal Assent in your Lordships' House.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

May I point out that it is limited only to "injuries sustained during the period of the present emergency"? It does not go beyond that.

LORD STRABOLGI

I mentioned tonight. Suppose somebody is hurt tonight and the scheme is not tabled and approved for some weeks, will it be retrospective?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

Yes, I think I can assure the noble Lord, it is retrospective.

LORD STRABOLGI

I am much obliged to the noble Earl.

On Question, Bill read 2a: Committee negatived.

On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed, and a Message sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.