§ 27. Sir Arnold Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in anticipation of the deliberations of the proposed Royal Corn-. mission, he will institute sample inquiries through Unemployment Assistance Board, or otherwise, with a view to ascertaining what proportion of applicants for public assistance are in receipt of weekly payments or have received lump sum settlements under the Workmen's Compensation Acts or, as stated on pages 109 and 117 of the Unemployment Assistance Board's Annual Report, are regarded as ineligible for certain employments owing to the risk of contracting industrial diseases?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)The Commission will have ample facilities for making inquiries into matters relevant to their deliberations, and I think it must be left to the Commission to consider what inquiries should be instituted.
§ 45. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the Royal Commission that is to consider the Workmen's Compensation Act; and can he announce the names of the Commission and their terms of reference?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on 22nd June.
§ Mr. TinkerIf my hon. Friend repeats his question in a fortnight's time, will the answer be ready then?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think I could give any such undertaking.