§ 21. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary if he can explain why, in the mining district ascertainments, under the heading Workmen's Compensation Insurance, there are differences in the charges by some counties equivalent to 5d. per ton of coal output; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made and see how far private insurance companies are, responsible for the variations?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no information as to the differences in the compensation charges shown under the district ascertainments, but, in any case, the private insurance companies could not be responsible, in view of the very small percentage paid by these companies of the total compensation in the mining industry. For example, in 1926, they paid only 7.5 of the total.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his colleague at the Mines Department has these figures, showing that the charges for insurance against accident vary to the extent of 5d. per ton in certain localities, and will he not look into the matter and see why there are these very great differences?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the Secretary for Mines has the figures, I will consult with him.