§ 61. Mr. THEODORE TAYLORasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 10th July the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal from the judgment given on 9th April last by the judge of the Salford County Court in the case of Howarth v. Knowles, so that the plaintiff and other workmen who relied for protection on a scheme officially certified by the Registrar of Friendly Societies as not less favourable to the general body of workmen and their dependants than the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act now find themselves left without compensation or remedy; and whether he will introduce legislation to amend Section 3 of the Act, so as to prevent any such failure of the intention of the Act from occurring in the future?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir, the Court of Appeal have upheld the decision of the County Court judge. I have been in communication with the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies on the subject, and he informs me that a Clause by which the employer undertakes to provide for the continuance of compensation in the event 731 of the scheme expiring and the funds becoming exhausted has now been inserted in all the schemes which have been renewed. These include all the existing schemes except one which falls due for renewal later and will be dealt with at the time of renewal. This action will prevent the occurrence of any similar cases under these schemes.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the other scheme will expire—I understand there is only one remaining?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend will ask me afterwards, I will find out for him.