HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 cc569-71
32 and 33. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Home Secretary (1) the average weekly payments for workmen's compensation made to miners who are totally incapacitated during the last two years for which the figures are available, and for the same periods the average weekly payments made to miners who were partially incapacitated;

(2) the average weekly payments for workmen's compensation made to miners in Northumberland who are totally incapacitated during the last two years for which figures are available; and for the same periods the average weekly payments made for partial incapacity in Northumberland to miners?

Sir S. Hoare

I regret that the figures asked for are not available.

Mr. T. Smith

Would it not be advisable, when compiling the annual report, to make a more detailed classification?

Sir S. Hoare

I will consider that suggestion; but these particular details would involve a great deal of work.

49. Mr. David Adams

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state the names of members of the Royal Commission upon workmen's compensation and the terms of reference?

48. Mr. Cassells

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to expedite the appointment and deliberations of the proposed Royal Commission on workmen's compensation and employers' liability, in light of the growing demand for amendment of the law, together with the fact that the Stewart Committee, although appointed by warrant on 23rd October, 1935, did not issue its report until 13th January, 1938?

Sir S. Hoare

I am not in a position to add to the answers which the Prime Minister gave to questions on this subject on 22nd June, but the Government will certainly do all it can to expedite the setting up of the Commission and to assist the Commission in its inquiry.

Mr. Adams

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate any likely time when he will have this information?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. It is a very important inquiry, and it must take some little time.

44. Mr. R. Gibson (for Mr. Cassells)

asked the Home Secretary whether the proposed Royal Commission to be set up relative to amendment of workmen's compensation and employers' liability will be guided in its deliberations in any way by the findings of the Stewart Committee Report, Command Paper 5657; and will they be called upon to deal with the question of compulsory insurance, all as referred to in Command Paper 5528?

Sir S. Hoare

The Commission will have before it the report of the Stewart Committee and I have no doubt will derive great assistance from the report and will attach full weight to the committee's findings. The question of extending the scope of compulsory insurance will fall within the terms of reference of the Commission, and they will no doubt have full regard to the report of the recent committee on Compulsory Insurance, which has a considerable bearing on some aspects of the matter.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the Commission also have before it the report of the Holman-Gregory Committee?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, certainly, and all relevant matter of that kind.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Will the terms of reference of the Commission cover the question of the rehabilitation of injured workmen?

Sir S. Hoare

The Prime Minister dealt with that question in an answer a week ago, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.