HC Deb 03 December 1931 vol 260 cc1237-8
35. Mr. G. MACDONALD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the long delay in the settlement of compensation cases where an employer who has failed to insure his workpeople for compensation purposes goes into liquidation; and whether he is prepared to take the necessary action at an early date to facilitate the settlement of such cases?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I am giving further consideration to the question whether any change in the existing law is practicable. The question of devising a remedy by fresh legislation raises points of much difficulty, but I propose to go further into the matter.

Mr. MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are scores of miners who have been waiting as long as two and a-half years and have not yet got any compensation?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I believe that the liquidators in these cases endeavour to expedite claims of this class, but the matter can only be dealt with, absolutely and finally, by fresh legislation.

Mr. TINKER

Would not compulsory insurance under the Workmen's Compensation Acts meet the case?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That is a project which is being examined, but there are difficulties in the way of it also. I hope to go into the matter further.

Mr. MAXTON

Why this speed in the matter of motor cars and this slowness in the matter of miners?