HC Deb 13 June 1927 vol 207 cc657-8
9. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the draft Bill for workmen's compensation in the Malay States has been considered by his Department; and what decision has been come to regarding it?

Mr. AMERY

The draft Bill is now under examination, and I am not at present able to say more than that I agree generally with the principles on which it has been framed, though in points of detail it will probably require some amendment.

Mr. WELLOCK

Will the right hon. Gentleman speed up this matter, which has been the subject of negotiation since 1924?

Mr. AMERY

It will, of course, require discussion, as I have indicated, between the various parties.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Could the right hon. Gentleman have any sort of inquiry made in the various Crown Colonies as to which have Workmen's Compensation Acts and which have not, so as to bring them more or less on to the same footing?

Mr. AMERY

The position differs very much between one Colony and another. Wherever the economic conditions are such as to make it desirable to introduce such legislation, I shall be glad to press for it if it does not already exist.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Why not Palestine, for instance?

Mr. AMERY

I think that matter is under close consideration in Palestine, and is moving forward.