HC Deb 08 December 1938 vol 342 cc1348-9
40. Mr. Oliver

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that insurance companies and mutual indemnity societies are in some cases reducing the amount of compensation paid to workmen who have attained the age of 65, many of whom have been in receipt of compensation a great number of years and are too poor to contest these reductions in court; and whether he will consider taking steps to safeguard the interests of these injured workmen in cases where such reductions have not been negotiated by a competent body acting on the workman's behalf?

Mr. Lloyd

No complaints of any such practice appear to have reached my right hon. Friend, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of the cases which have come to his notice my right hon. Friend will be prepared to consider them. The hon. Member will, of course, appreciate that my right hon. Friend has no power under the Act to intervene on behalf either of the workman or of the employer in individual cases.

Mr. Oliver

While the Minister has no power to interfere in the matter, will he take steps to safeguard the rights of the workers so that they are not robbed of their old age pensions?

Mr. Lloyd

I said that we have not had representations on the subject, but we would be ready to examine them.

Mr. Oliver

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman.