HC Deb 04 May 1932 vol 265 cc1104-5
40 and 41. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will consider the amending of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, to provide that any payment received by an injured worker under that Act shall not be taken into consideration by authorities in assessing payment of relief to such worker or his dependants;

(2) whether he will consider the amending of the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1918, to provide for the exclusion of disability pensions from consideration in assessing public assistance and transitional payments?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Ernest Brown)

It is the duty of public assistance authorities to make allowance for any special need arising from an injury or disability. My right hon. Friend cannot undertake to introduce legislation for the purposes referred to, which could not in any case be appropriately dealt with by amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Act or the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act.

Mr. MACLEAN

If, when the Ministry of Health go into the matter, they find that the purpose cannot be effected by amending these two Acts, will the hon. Gentleman consider legislation in the direction of the purpose aimed at in my two questions?

Mr. BROWN

I have informed the hon. Member that the Minister said on 3rd December that a public assistance committee is entitled, after taking into account the disability pension, to increase the relief in consideration of the greater need in respect of the disability.

Major CHARLES MacANDREW

Is not the compensation made to meet what a man has lost in respect of his earning power?

Mr. BROWN

The facts are set out in Circular 1069 of 3rd January, 1930,to which I would refer the hon. Member.