§ 35. Sir ROBERT GOWERasked the Minister of Health how many unemployed men engaged in test work have, during the past 12 months, met with fatal and other accidents, respectively, whilst so engaged; and whether compensation, and, if so, what, has been paid in any such cases to the dependents of or to the men, respectively, and by whom?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend is not aware of any fatal accident occurring in the circumstances suggested. Two instances in which non-fatal accidents have occurred have recently been brought to his notice and are receiving the consideration of the local authorities concerned.
§ 36. Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of an unemployed workman who recently, while engaged on test work at Gillingham, Kent, sustained an accident resulting in a broken leg, and whose relief was stopped before he was able to resume work; and whether, seeing that the premiums payable for insurance under the Workmen's Compensation Acts are relatively small, he will consider the desirability of providing, by legislation or otherwise, that men injured in accidents whilst engaged in test work shall be entitled to receive the benefits provided by the Workmen's Compensation Acts?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been called to the case to which my hon. Friend refers, but he is making inquiries about it. Any question as to the amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Acts should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.