§ 84. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the provisions of compensation to persons injured by enemy action on land and on sea are operating to the disadvantage of the latter class of injured persons; that delays are occurring in adjudicating upon claims; that uncertainty as to the provisions exists among seafaring persons; and whether he will take the appropriate action?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am not aware that there is any such inequality of treatment as is suggested. I have in fact taken special steps to obviate delay in dealing with claims, and have caused the fullest information as to compensation to be furnished to the authorities of all ports.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that not only among the fishermen themselves but also among insurance companies and even among the members of the War Risks Advisory Committee, there is great confusion as to how these provisions are related to the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts; and if I forward him correspondence which has passed on this 962 subject will he consider issuing a simple: leaflet, which will be easier to understand than the 32-page pamphlet published by the Government?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am not aware of anything of the kind. I have had consultation with the trade unions which are representative of the men and with the owners' associations and with many other bodies, and none of them express anything like the dissatisfaction suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Garro JonesMay I give notice that, having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and also the unsatisfactory nature of the reply which I anticipate in answer to Question No. 88, I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.