§ 25. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that there are large numbers of men totally disabled by accidents or industrial diseases, and whose weekly compensation under the existing Acts are so low as to necessitate supplementary grants from the public assistance committees to bring their household resources up to that level; and whether he will take an early opportunity of introducing a new Workmen's Compensation Act so as to provide adequate payments to these disabled men and relieve the local authorities of this burden?
§ Sir S. HoareI can assure the hon. Member that I am by no means unmindful of the position of the injured workman, but I regret that I can add nothing at present to previous statements.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the Minister bear in mind the fact that in my constituency alone there are 40 men totally disabled and upon inadequate pensions, being also assisted from public funds, and that there are 70 men disabled by silicosis getting much below 30s. a week; and will he consider removing from poor local authorities a burden which ought to be borne by rich industries and rich insurance companies?
§ Sir S. HoareI will certainly take into account the information which the hon. Gentleman has given me, but I have nothing to add to the statement which I have made.
§ Mr. T. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman try to expedite the matter?
§ Mr. CassellsWill the right hon. Gentleman review the evidence adduced by various witnesses before the Stewart Committee for the information of Members of the House?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is obviously a matter which does not arise out of the question.