HC Deb 21 July 1938 vol 338 cc2404-5
27. Mr. Tinker

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons in receipt of workmen's compensation have to seek help from the Poor Law authorities; and will he consider this particular aspect as urgent and introduce legislation at an early date so as to remove this hardship by increasing the rates of compensation?

Sir S. Hoare

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Thursday last to the question asked by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on the same point.

Mr. Tinker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister, in dealing with this matter, said that certain aspects should be dealt with before the commission reported? Is this not one aspect, and a serious one, which might be dealt with before the commission report?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not give an explicit answer to that question before it is put down. I should have said that a question of this kind raised just the sort of issues that have to be considered.

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for representations from the local authorities?

45. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the Royal Commission that is to consider the Workmen's Compensation Act and the effect of accidents and industrial diseases on the lives of the people; and whether he can announce the names of the commission and their terms of reference?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I regret that I am unable at present to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 30th June last.

Mr. Batey

Will the Prime Minister be in a position to make a statement before the House rises for the Recess?

The Prime Minister

I hope so, but I am not sure.

Mr. Cassells

Is the Prime Minister able to inform the House as to the precise terms of reference of the proposed Royal Commission?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, not yet.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in fixing the terms of reference of the Royal Commission, bear in mind the importance of investigating the system by which employers insure their work-people for workmen's compensation, and, in particular, into the enormous profits made by insurance companies in this connection?