HC Deb 11 February 1902 vol 102 c992
SIR FRANCIS EVANS (Maidstone)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether, having regard to the experience gained in the working of The Workmen's Compensation Act, 1897, the Government will now consider the extension of the benefits conferred under the Act to the seamen and firemen of the mercantile marine.

* THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) Croydon

The Government are of opinion, as indicated in this House and elsewhere, that the time has not yet come for any definite proposals amending and extending the Workmen's Compensation Act. When it does, the case of seamen and firemen in the Mercantile Marine will certainly be considered, though there are special circumstances which place them on a different footing from other trades at present outside the Act.