HC Deb 18 March 1907 vol 171 c469
MR. CATHCART WASON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to extend the benefits of The Workmen's Compensation Act to all classes of employees.

MR. GLADSTONE

The Act of last session extended the benefits of the previous Acts to some 6,000,000 persons, and very few classes of employees now remain outside it. I see no ground at present for further legislation.

MR. CATHCART WASON

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that a number of employers were afraid to employ casual employees, such as charwomen and gardeners, so that a large number of those classes were now unable to find employment.

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not know how that can be, as the Act has not come into force.

MR. CATHCART WASON

said there was a feeling among a number of people that the impending Act was responsible for that state of things.

MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)

Is it not the fact that that class of labourer can be insured for twelve months against all risk for 2s. 6d.?

[No Answer was returned.]