HC Deb 15 July 1935 vol 304 cc747-8
37. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of cases of injured workmen who have to get surgical appliances, artificial legs, arms, etc., to assist them to follow their employment; that there is nothing in the Workmen's Compensation Act to cover the cost; and whether he will consider amending it so that all such cases shall be met by payment of the cost incurred?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Euan Wallace)

No recent representations to my Department on this subject can be traced, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases of workmen being unable to obtain necessary appliances without hardship owing to having to defray the cost, I will look into the matter and consult, if necessary, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Mr. TINKER

I did not quite understand the reply. Did the hon. and gallant Member say he was not aware that persons had to provide these appliances at their own cost, and that he would look into it?

Captain WALLACE

No doubt there are cases, but, as I said in my reply, no recent representations have been made to me. If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of cases I will look into them.

Mr. GEOFFREY PETO

Is it not time we had legislation to prevent injuries, and not merely to compensate for them?