HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc938-9
83. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the allowance paid to unpaid voluntary air-raid precautions workers for injuries received by them while on duty may also be paid when the injuries are the result of accidents incurred in consequence of the black-out, while they are proceeding from or to duty?

Sir W. Womersley

The terms of the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, admit of the award of compensation in those cases only where the Civil Defence volunteer is on duty at the time of his injury. The question whether this condition obtains in any individual case must be judged in the light of the particular circumstances. The difficulties caused by the black-out are common to the whole civil population. Cases might, however, arise, e.g., an emergency summons, where a volunteer proceeding on duty would be eligible for an award of compensation.

Mr. Lipson

Does not my hon. Friend agree that these persons have to be abroad during the black-out in consequence of the obligation which they have undertaken; and would it not be possible to extend the period of duty so as to cover all the time from the hour when they leave their homes to the hour at which they return home?

Sir W. Womersley

If they are out during the black-out period on duty they are eligible for compensation.