HC Deb 15 June 1933 vol 279 cc306-8
18. Mr. MARTIN

asked the Home Secretary how many associations of coal owners in England and Wales have been asked by his Department to draw up a scheme dealing with miners' compensation; how many have already formed schemes; and how many of such schemes he has approved or intends to approve?

Mr. HACKING

I presume my hon. Friend has in mind schemes of insurance by mutual indemnity associations. The position as regards these was indicated in the replies given on the 6th April and 18th May to questions by the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker). Since then my right hon. Friend has been in further consultation with the Mining Association of Great Britain, through whom the negotiations in this matter have been conducted, with a view to completing the arrangements, and although he is not at present in a position to make any further statement, he desires me to give an assurance that the matter is being very actively pursued, and that he will not rest content until satisfactory arrangements have been established in every area.

Mr. MARTIN

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that assurance, may I ask for an answer to the first part of my question? How many have already got such schemes?

Mr. HACKING

May I put it another way? The laggards are Lancashire, Cumberland, and North Staffordshire, and steps are being taken to expedite matters there.

Mr. TINKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give us a full report when the Estimates come up for discussion, because this is a matter which ought to be dealt with, and we do not like continually putting questions down and always getting the same answers?

Mr. HACKING

I assure the hon. Member that we are dealing with this matter as expeditiously as we can and bringing all the pressure we can upon the laggards. We hope that very shortly satisfaction will be achieved.

19. Mr. MARTIN

asked the Home Secretary the number of colliery concerns which, having gone into liquidation in the past 12 months, have been unable to meet their full liabilities for workmen's compensation; and how many mine workers have been affected?

Mr. HACKING

I have been informed of 29 colliery liquidations occurring in the 12 months ended 31st May. In 26 of these it is definitely stated that no loss of compensation is involved. In the other three the information so far obtained is insufficient to enable me to make a definite statement.

Mr. MARTIN

In how many areas which have not so far any schemes approved by the Ministry have such liquidations occurred?

Mr. HACKING

There are three cases outstanding. Two of them are in Wales. I am not sure about the other case.