§ 8. Mr. LYONSasked the Home Secretary how many cases are known to his Department in which the payments of money under the Workmen's Compensation Act have been delayed or denied to injured employés through default or insolvency of employers?
Mr. STANLEYThe Department is aware of 28 cases of liquidations in the coal mining industry since the beginning of 1927 in which there has been some loss, or delay of payment, of compensation. There have been a considerable number of other cases in this industry in which it has been ascertained that no permanent loss of compensation resulted, but there may have been delay in making payment. I regret that no information is available as regards other industries, but practically all the complaints which have recently reached me on this matter have related to the coal mining industry.
§ Mr. LYONSMay I ask that serious consideration should now be given to the important question of compulsory workmen's compensation insurance?
Mr. STANLEYSerious consideration has been given to it for a considerable time, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given by my right hon. Friend in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 27th October.
§ Mr. MARTINIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the scheme which the owners are at present working out meets with approval?
Mr. STANLEYI am not quite sure to which scheme the hon. Member refers. Most of the districts have got different schemes.
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that recent attention has been given to this subject and can he say whether any progress was made in the recent discussion?
Mr. STANLEYYes, an account of the progress was given in my right hon. Friend's reply on 27th October.