§ 21. Mr. WESTWOODasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he will inquire into the actions of the Scottish Mineowners' Defence and Mutual Insurance Association re its methods of withholding and making payment under the Workmen's Compensation Acts; and if, as the result of that investigation, it is found that undue pressure has been put upon injured miners to accept less than they are legally entitled to, what action does he propose taking to enforce the provisions of the Compensation Acts on the above association?
The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridge-man)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have no authority under the Act to intervene in regard to disputes between employers and workers as to the amount of compensation to which a workman is legally entitled or the withholding of the payment of compensation. These are matters which can only be determined by a judicial tribunal. I understand, however, that an offer has recently been made by the directors of the association to meet the workmen's representatives and go into the allegations, and I hope that in this way it may be possible to arrive at a satisfactory understanding.