HC Deb 16 May 1928 vol 217 cc1036-8
92. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, owing to the short time worked in the coal mines, the average earnings over a period of three years brings the amount of compensation to be paid in fatal accidents (total dependency case) much below the maximum figure of £300 under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, in view of this, will he consider amending the Act so as to raise the present minimum of £200 to £250?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

I have no information to the effect suggested in the question. On the contrary, certain inquiries I have made indicate that in the great majority of total dependency cases occurring in this industry during 1926 and 1927 the compensation payable—apart from any children's allowance and without making any deduction in respect of compensation already paid to the deceased workman—reached the maximum of £300, and that where less than the maximum was paid, this was due, as a rule, to the deduction of payments already made.

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in two recent cases with which I have dealt, in one case the average wage was 28s. a week and in the other 18s. 6d. a week, and that the figure I mention of £250 would only represent an average wage of 32s. a week? Is that too much to ask to be paid?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If the hon. Member has any cases, surely the better plan is for him to send them to me, and I will inquire into them. He has merely put down a question and given me no details.

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the law cannot be altered by him? It is a question of the average weekly wage, and although I am making no complaint of what is being paid by this firm, the fact is, the amount only reaches a figure of £200. I am asking whether the right hon. Gentleman cannot see his way to increase the minimum to £250.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I clearly could not ask the House to make an alteration in the Act of Parliament unless I had more information than I have at present. If the hon. Gentleman has information he should let me have it.

Mr. TINKER

The Holman Gregory Report recommended it.

HON. MEMBERS

Order!