HC Deb 11 May 1939 vol 347 cc683-5
65. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now say if the Royal Commission on Workmen's Compensation propose to issue an interim report; and, if not, whether he will reconsider the possibility of early legislation to deal with urgent matters, such as the amount of compensation payable?

Sir S. Hoare

The question of issuing an interim report is, as the hon. Member will be aware, a matter for the Commission. I have made inquiry of the Commission, and I understand that they regard their primary duty to be the examination of the working of the existing system and the consideration thereafter of the question whether that system should be maintained with modifications, or whether some quite different system should be instituted. Until the Commission have reached a conclusion on this fundamental question of principle, they feel that they cannot well attempt to formulate definitive recommendations on any particular part of the subject. In view of the volume of evidence to be heard, and of the complexity of the issues to be discussed, it is inevitable that this preliminary work will take some time. As regards the latter part of the question, I am unable to depart from the view previously taken that it would not be wise, while these inquiries are being made, to attempt to formulate legislation dealing with any of the larger issues.

Mr. Smith

Does not that reply indicate that the Royal Commission have decided not to issue an interim report; and is it not a fact that, when the Royal Commission was set up, the Prime Minister left the impression that there was no reason why an interim report should not be issued and the inquiry proceed with regard to the wider changes in compensation law?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. The position has been made perfectly clear time after time. While the Commission was sitting, it was impossible to deal with the larger issues, and I have repeated that statement in my answer to-day.

Sir Arnold Wilson

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Trades Union Congress evidence is not yet ready?

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that a debate on the need for an immediate increase in workmen's compensation took place a short time ago in this House, on a Motion which was only defeated by one vote; and that shortly afterwards the Prime Minister said, in reply to a question, that he would consult with the Royal Commission on the possibility of issuing an interim report on this question?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, and I have given my answer after consultation with the Commission. The position is exactly as we have always stated, namely, that we could not deal with the larger issues until we got the report. As to these smaller issues, the position is as the Prime Minister stated.