HC Deb 09 February 1939 vol 343 c1097
11. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour whether trainees who meet with accidents while in training at Ministry of Labour training centres are treated as coming within the scope of the Workmen's Compensation Act; and who is responsible for the payment of compensation?

Mr. E. Brown

Men in training at Ministry of Labour training centres are not employed persons within the meaning of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, but it is the practice to make an ex gratia payment to any man who sustains an injury which, if it had occurred during employment, would have given him a claim to compensation under these Acts.

Mr. R. Gibson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how these ex gratia payments compare with the amounts payable under the Workmen's Compensation Acts?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will put that question down.