§ 29. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary what is the position at present in regard to the injured workmen whose compensation has been withheld owing to the failure of the Worsley Mesnes collieries and Ashton Green collieries, Lancashire, both of which are in the hands of the Official Receiver?
Mr. STANLEYAs my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member last, month, in the case of Ashtons Green there is still a very considerable amount of work to be done in the settling of the claims, and it will be some months before a distribution can be made. As regards Worsley Mesnes, as my right hon. Friend stated, the Receivers are waiting for the Court to settle the final accounts. I can add nothing to the information then given.
§ Mr. TINKERIs it not possible to hurry it on, as the assets are being eaten away by these delays?
Mr. STANLEYAs I have already explained to my hon. Friend on several occasions, neither the Home Office nor any other Government Department has any jurisdiction in the matter, and it is 974 only due to the courtesy of the officials concerned that I am able to supply the hon. Member from time to time with information as to the position.
§ 30. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary what progress he has made with the coal owners regarding the insurance of workmen under the Workmen's Compensation Acts?
Mr. STANLEYMy right hon. Friend has not yet received from the Mining Association the full statement mentioned in his answer to the hon. Member on the 27th October, but he hopes to do so before the end of the year.
§ Mr. SLATERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the coalowners would approve of a scheme controlled nationally or through the medium of the Accident Offices Association, so that cases such as those mentioned in the last question would be controlled?
Mr. STANLEYI think the hon. Gentleman is asking a supplementary question on the wrong question. I have just answered No. 30.