§ 23. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet had under consideration a Workmen's Compensation Act to cover the workmen at Gibraltar; and whether he can now state his decision in the matter?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERA committee appointed by the Governor of Gibraltar examined this question in 1922 and came to the conclusion that it would be inadvisable to introduce workmen's compensation legislation. My predecessor at that time concurred in the committee's conclusion. The matter has been reviewed from time to time since then, and I am satisfied that the objections to the enactment of such legislation in Gibraltar still apply with equal force. The hon. Member is, however, no doubt aware that an Employers' Liability Ordinance is in force in the Colony.
§ Mr. MACLEANAs the Employers' Liability Ordinance in force does not operate with the same justice with regard to injured employés there, will the right hon. gentleman now consider the alteration of that Ordinance by introducing something similar to the Compensation Act in this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat is a, different question—whether the Act now in force should be amended. If the hen. Gentleman will put down a question to that effect, I will have it considered. I think he knows, however, that there are very strong reasons against putting a workmen's compensation Act in force.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that when the committee of inquiry were hearing evidence, certain workers' representatives who were put forward as witnesses were not examined?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI could not possibly answer that question. I was asked about workmen's compensation, and I think the arguments which were given against it and which have been endorsed by previous Governors and Governments are conclusive.