HC Deb 06 April 1933 vol 276 cc1897-8
7 and 12. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is now in a position to make a statement in respect of colliery owners and the insurance of their workmen for fatal and non-fatal accidents in connection with the Workmen's Compensation Act;

(2) if he is now in a position to state what amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Act he proposes to make in regard to compulsory insurance for injured workmen?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

My right hon. Friend does not at present contemplate any amendment of the Act in the direction suggested. As regards the mining industry, the information supplied by the Mining Association shows that in almost every area the mutual indemnity associations have now made arrangements to insure the owners against all their liabilities under the Act, excepting only payments due in disablement cases in respect of the first six months; good progress is being made in getting the firms to take advantage of such insurance. The chief exception is Lancashire, but I am glad to say that my right hon. Friend is informed that a scheme has now been drawn up by a committee representing the two Lancashire indemnity associations, and is being submitted to all the Lancashire collieries for acceptance. As regards those undertakings which prefer to do their own insurance, a model form of trust deed is being prepared which will provide for the maintenance of reserves adequate to meet all outstanding liabilities. Much, no doubt, remains to be done, but there seems to be good ground for hoping that the co-operation of the industry will enable matters to be placed on a satisfactory basis.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that in these policies there is abundant guarantee for the men who are employed in the pits which are to be covered, and that the men are adequately provided for?

Mr. HACKING

Yes, Sir. In the mutual indemnity associations I think there is no doubt about that.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is the right hon. Member aware that there are cases where men who were supposed to be insured under a mutual indemnity scheme were not safeguarded?

Mr. HACKING

I shall be pleased if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of that.