§ 21. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that hardship is caused in many instances under the Workmen's Compensation Act when the full amount in total dependency cases, fatal, has been paid into Court owing to the length of time that elapses between 1494 one Court day and another; and will he cause inquiries Lo be made and, if satisfied that such hardship exists, give power to the Registrar to make a small grant out of the money paid in until such time as the Judge can make the allocation?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI understand that in cases of urgency the Registrar generally communicates with the Judge and obtains his authority to make an advance payment. The matter is not one in which I have any power to issue instructions, but it could be dealt with by rules of Court, and I am informed by the Lord Chancellor's Department that it has been referred to the County Court Rules Committee for consideration.
§ Mr. G. SPENCERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these sums that are paid into Court for the benefit of the wife and family are only allowed to be invested in 2½ per cent. Post Office Stock instead of general Trustee Stocks?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think I must have notice of that question.
§ 25. Mr. T. WILLIAMS (for Mr. J. GUEST)asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the amount received in premiums by the various insurance and indemnity societies for the purpose of insurance against employers' risks under the Workmen's Compensation and Employers' Liability Acts, for the period commencing 1909 to 1923, inclusive, and the amount paid in compensation to injured workpeople or their dependants for the same period?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe returns made by the insurance companies to the Board of Trade show that the total amount of the premiums paid to the companies during the period mentioned was £70,175,730, and that the total amount paid out under policies was £31,996,049. Payments under policies, however, include legal and medical expenses in connection with claims. I regret that corresponding figures are nor available for the mutual indemnity societies.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSSince the amount received by workmen amounts to less than 50 per cent. of the total, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of abolishing these insurances altogether?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not see how that would benefit anybody at all.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWhy not establish a central compensation depot where people would receive 100 per cent. of the premiums paid?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly I am not prepared to embark on any Socialist legislation.