HC Deb 30 March 1933 vol 276 cc1163-4
33. Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

asked the Home Secretary the number of miners in receipt of compensation for partial disablement in respect of injuries received before 1924 and before November, 1920?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In 1931, the latest year for which statistics are available, there were 5,039 cases in the mining industry in which the workman had been receiving compensation for 10 years or more; but I regret I have no statistics as to how many of these were injured in particular years or as to how many were cases of partial as distinct from total disablement. I have reason, however, to believe that from two-thirds to three-quarters of the cases would be cases of partial disablement.

Mr. NICHOLSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men referred to in my question, although nominally only partially disabled, have not the remotest chance of getting employment, and that they depend on the public assistance committees for their existence; and will he consider legislation to cover these very pathetic cases?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am aware that there are some very difficult and pathetic cases, but it is difficult to see what one can do to help them, and I cannot commit myself at this stage to any form of further legislation.

Mr. MARTIN

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's Department asked the county organisations to bring forward schemes dealing with compensation; and is he satisfied with the schemes which the counties have brought forward?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am looking into the question and will take all these matters into careful consideration.