§ Mr. CLYNES (for Mr. William Thorne)asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention had been called to the case of Thomas Dickerson, labourer, who was working for the Romford Board of Guardians, and who was put to work breaking stones by and for the guardians, and in doing so received such injuries as resulted in the loss of his left eye; and whether, in consequence of the injured man not being able to obtain compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, the Local Government Board will raise any objection if a compassionate allowance is granted to the man?
§ Mr. BURNSMy attention has been called to this case. I understand that the man applied for relief and was set to work in the stone yard, where the accident happened. He sued the guardians in the County Court for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, although 226 his solicitor had previously been informed that the guardians were not liable. The case was dismissed by the County Court judge with costs, but the latter will have to be borne by the guardians. The guardians have given the man relief, and I am informed that they would probably have continued it had he made application. Whether they would be willing to make him any payment by way of compassionate allowance I am unable to say. If they apply to me on the subject, I am prepared to consider the application.