HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc526-8
34. Mr. Cassells

asked the Home Secretary what steps the Government intend taking, in so far as new legislation is concerned, having regard to the findings of the Stewart Committee on Workmen's Compensation?

Mr. Lloyd

I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) last Monday.

Mr. Cassells

Can the Under-Secretary say what steps were taken by the Stewart Committee for the purpose of obtaining the necessary evidence?

Mr. Lloyd

I cannot say. That is a different question, and it is a matter for the committee. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to put down a question, I will give him an answer.

Mr. T. Williams

In view of the grave shortcomings of the existing compensation law, will the hon. Gentleman tell the House when we may expect an authoritative statement with regard to amending legislation?

Mr. Lloyd

A statement was made on a Friday some time ago saying that the Government would give consideration to these two reports.

Mr. Williams

When will they reach a conclusion?

Mr. Lloyd

A statement was given in respect of the consideration of two reports, but only one has so far been received.

Mr. Cassells

In the event of a definite finding being given by the Stewart Committee of the right of appeal by aggrieved workmen against the referee, may I ask whether steps will immediately be taken to rectify this obvious injustice?

Mr. Lloyd

This report was published only last week, and I think the House will appreciate that a little more time is needed before my right hon. Friend can be expected to give a considered opinion upon it.

38. Mr. Lawson

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. R. Routledge, a pony putter, at Ravensworth colliery, County Durham, who lost part of one leg, and Mr. William Pringle, a coal filler at the same colliery, who lost two fingers of a hand, and who were, respectively, awarded 16s. and 15s. a week light rate compensation; that no light work has been offered in either case; and whether he will amend the law of compensation so that in these and similar cases full conpensation shall be awarded?

Mr. Lloyd

The hon. Member has been good enough to send my right hon. Friend some photographs showing the nature of the injuries in these two cases. I am not, however, in possession of any other information as to the circumstances or of any explanation as to why the existing provisions which in certain circumstances enable a partially recovered workman who is unable to obtain employment to recover compensation at the total incapacity rate, are not applicable here. I should be glad to consider any further particulars he may care to send me, but I am afraid I should not be in a position at present to make any statement as to legislation.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Under-Secretary aware that these two young men are so badly mutilated that they are not likely to get work again unless it is light work, and is he aware that there are thousands of cases in the mines of the country for which the present legislation is totally insufficient? Will he take steps to amend the legislation on this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

With regard to the cases which the hon. Member has mentioned, I shall be grateful if he will let me have details of the history and the negotiations—whether, for example, these cases have come before the courts or not. I would draw his attention to the fact that there is amending legislation which will improve the situation.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the hon. Member not aware that these cases have been before the courts and that these two young persons are not getting full compensation or light work and are condemned to perpetual unemployment?

Mr. Lloyd

I was not aware that the cases had been before the courts. We have not been informed, but it is a matter, I think, which should be considered in connection with a general review of workmen's compensation.