§ 60. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Home Secretary when he proposes to issue the new regulations, under the various industries silicosis schemes, extending the period within which certification can take place to five years; and from what date the new regulation will operate?
§ Mr. PeakeMy Department is still in communication with the General Council of the Trades Union Congress on the draft scheme, but my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make a decision very shortly. It is proposed that the scheme should come into force on the date on which it is made; my right hon. Friend is advised that he cannot make it apply retrospectively.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the failure to make this Order retrospective will cause very real hardship in a number of cases; and will he still give consideration to the desirability of making the Order retrospective?
§ Mr. PeakeWe are advised at present that we have no statutory authority to make a scheme of a retrospective nature. This is a very complicated subject, and perhaps the hon. Member would take the opportunity of having a word about it with me.