HC Deb 05 April 1917 vol 92 cc1481-2
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service on what basis the workmen's compensation will be settled for a man who, under the National Service scheme, has been taken away from his regular employment and employed elsewhere at a smaller wage; and whether any steps will be taken to secure for the man, by State contributions or otherwise, compensation on the basis of his former earnings?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. S. Walsh)

There are not expected to be many cases within the limits of the wages to which the Workmen's Compensation Act applies, where the wages of National Service volunteers would be so much lower than their former wages that undue hardship would result in the event of an accident occurrng. If, however, cases of hardship were found to be sufficiently numerous, the matter would receive careful consideration with a view to suitable representations being made to the Treasury.

Mr. SCOTT

May I ask how many cases are considered sufficiently numerous to justify action? Would one case be sufficient?

Mr. WALSH

As a matter of fact, no-cases at all have arisen yet, and we can only say what we consider is a sufficient number of cases when the cases have actually happened. It is very likely that the immense mass of cases will be receiving greater wages than they received in their previous employment.

Mr. SCOTT

But may I ask whether this aspect of the case will be kept before the attention of the Department?

Mr. WALSH

I thought the last part of my answer conveyed that.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this will prevent enrolment in the National Service scheme, and will he take action to remove this difficulty?

Mr. WALSH

I do not know that that arises out of the question, but certainly, if any cases do arise, they will receive proper consideration.

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