HC Deb 04 February 1926 vol 191 cc322-3
64. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Health how many insurance companies are in existence in Britain catering for workmen's compensation; and what were the premiums paid for the years 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925, and the amount returned in benefits during the same periods?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have been asked to reply to this question. Seeing that there are a fair number of figures, I shall, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1924 there were 10,000 more accidents than in 1923, and that the amount paid for compensation for those injuries was actually less in 1924 than in 1923? Does he not think that this matter ought to be looked into?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

My hon. Friend asks me a question, and he is asking for figures which I have prepared, and which I give in the answer. I think he will find what he asks in the answer. As to considering the question of reorganisation—for that is what it comes to—I must ask him to put down a question.

Following is the answer:

According to the latest information in my possession, the insurance companies doing workmen's compensation business in Great Britain, excluding mutual employers' associations, number 100. The returns made by the companies to the Board of Trade' show that in 1922 the total amount of the premiums was £5,688,895, and the total amount paid under policies £2,873,145: in 1923, £5,181,422 and £2,872,984, respectively, and in 1924, £5,532,459 and £2,903,153, respectively. The payments under policies include legal and medical expenses incurred in connection with claims, so that the total amounts actually paid as compensation were somewhat less. The figures for 1925 are not yet available.