§ 27. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is in a position to state how many colliery companies have failed to meet their liabilities under the Workmen's Compen- 1624 sation Act since 1926; will he give the total number of men affected; and also similar figures for Lancashire?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Stanley)Inquiries made into colliery liquidations since 1st January, 1927, have disclosed 12 cases in which there has been or is certain to be a permanent loss of compensation affecting about 390 workmen altogether. These include two Lancashire cases affecting 63 men. In addition, there are 11 cases, affecting possibly 500 to 600 men, where the position is still uncertain. These include two Lancashire collieries, and affect about 160 men. I have no information as to cases before 1927.
§ Mr. TINKERHas the Home Secretary been in communication with the colliery owners, pointing out what has happened and asking them to do something?
§ Mr. TINKERWill the hon. Member see to it that when, the next King's Speech is prepared the necessary legislation to deal with this matter is included in it; that is, if the National Government hold together until then?
§ Mr. DICKIEHave the Government considered the advisability of using a portion of the Miners' Welfare Fund for dealing with these very deserving cases?
Mr. STANLEYIn reply to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker), this matter was raised during the Debate on the Home Office Estimates, and it was stated then that my right hon. Friend was giving his close attention to it. As the hon. Member knows, this is a very much more complicated subject than appears at the first view.