HC Deb 11 March 1924 vol 170 cc2139-40
100. Sir JAMES REMNANT

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the criticisms of his decision in the case of a London postman who was killed while riding a bicycle to the pillar-box he had to clear, he will reconsider the official decision that the dependants of this man are not entitled to any compensation because he met with his fatal accident in the 20 minutes immediately preceding the time at which he came on duty; whether he is aware that the courts have held in a similar case that the work of such a man is in fulfilment of the implied direction of his employers; and whether he will obtain further legal advice as to whether his policy in this particular case is justifiable and just?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hartshorn)

The case to which the hon. Baronet refers was the subject; of a judicial decision in the Greenwich County Court of the 22nd February, when the court decided that the accident to the deceased postman did not arise out of and in the course of his employment. Unless and until the decision of the court is reversed on appeal I regret that I can take no further action.

Sir J. REMNANT

Is it not the fact that in other Departments of the Civil Service when a man meets with an accident on his way to his duty that is considered as being in the course of his employment?

Mr. HARTSHORN

I shall be pleased to make inquiries as to what is done in similar cases by other Departments, but I do not think I have any power to override a decision of the Court.

Sir J. REMNANT

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to what is the practice in the other Departments, and, if he satisfies himself that the general practice is as I have stated, will he make proper compensation?

Mr. W. THORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that there is a moral obligation?

Mr. HARTSHORN

The deceased was killed last year, and the case was entered in Court before I went to the Department. I can only repeat what I have said, that I am unable to do anything unless and until the decision of the County Court is reversed by the Appeal Court.

Sir J. REMNANT

How can the man afford to take an appeal?