HC Deb 01 November 1916 vol 86 cc1714-5
71 Mr. WING

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that insurance companies are refusing to accept responsibility for " accident insurance for returned wounded soldiers; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of setting up a Government Insurance Department so as to secure that soldiers do not suffer from unemployment because employers dare not accept the responsibility?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have made some inquiries into this matter, but their results do not bear out the suggestion put forward in the first part of the question. But if my hon. Friend has any particular instances in mind, I should be much obliged if he would bring them to the notice of the Statutory Committee of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation. For the present, the second part of the question does not arise.

Mr. WING

Is the Prime Minister aware that any assistance from the Statutory Committee as suggested would be purely voluntary, whereas men want their compensation as a matter of right? Is it not the case that the Statutory Committee can give or refuse grants in urgent cases?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like notice of that.

Mr. SUTTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers to-day are refusing to take back into their employ men who are partially incapacitated? Will he do something to alter that state of things after men have been fighting for their country?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. Gentleman will bring the facts to my notice I will consider them.

Mr. SUTTON

I will give the right hon. Gentleman several cases.