HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 cc1804-5
45. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he will move for. a Select Committee to consider the Government's proposals on the smaller points in connection with workmen's compensation on which they are prepared to legislate without waiting for the report of the Royal Commission, and in particular to deal with the question of an increase in the maximum amount of workmen's compensation payable and with silicosis, with a view to getting the maximum of agreement on a Measure, and so facilitating its passage through the House?

The Prime Minister

I am not aware of any particular proposals for workmen's compensation legislation which could advantageously or properly be referred to a Select Committee at the present juncture.

Mr. Smith

Does the Prime Minister remember that when the Royal Commission was set up he agreed to consider the need for an interim report, and will he consult the chairman of the Commission in order to get his views on this matter?

The Prime Minister

I think that has already been done. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 11th May.

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Did not the Home Secretary say on that occasion that the chairman of the Commission had no objection whatever, and since he has thus put the responsibility on the Government will they not undertake the introduce such legislation?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that was the sense of the statement to which I have referred.

Mr. Arthur Greenwood

Is it not the case that it is the opinion of this House that there are a number of specific questions which are ripe for immediate treatment, and is it not possible, without prejudice to the wider issues with which the Royal Commission is concerned, to introduce early legislation to deal with grievances and anomalies which the whole House admits exist to-day?

The Prime Minister

This question has been raised a number of times, and if the right hon. Gentleman will refer to the speech which I have mentioned he will see what the attitude of the Commission was.

Mr. E. Smith

In view of the extreme urgency of this matter and of the suffering which exists, will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his attitude?

Mr. Foot

Might not the Government carry out the recommendations of the last committee which inquired into this subject?