HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc1980-2
48. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Supply the nature of the provision that will be made in the case of a woman whose husband may be injured or killed as a result of an air-raid after passing through the gates of an ordnance factory?

Sir A. Duncan

In the case of an employe of a Royal Ordnance Factory killed as a result of an air raid after passing in through the gates of the factory, compensation would be payable under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. If the employe were injured, compensation would be payable either under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. If certain circumstances, under Departmental Regulations; compensation under the Regulations would be not less favourable than under the Scheme.

Mr. Daggar

Will the right hon. Gentleman permit the Workmen's Compensation Act to operate in such cases?

Sir A. Duncan

The principle upon which we proceed is that the injured gets whichever scheme is the more advantageous.

Mr. Thorne

Will compensation be paid to persons going to and from their work?

Mr. Bevan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not true to say that if a person is injured his dependants will get the benefit of whichever Act is more favourable? If he is under workmen's compensation, it is entirely different.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that there are constant disputes between the firms and the Government as to who is to bear the compensation, and meantime the man suffers? Will he take steps to see that the law is made clear?

Sir A. Duncan

My answer relates to Royal Ordnance Factories, and the practice in the Royal Ordnance Factories is, in the case of injury, to pay from the beginning and to pay promptly. I have heard of no complaints in respect of the practice of the Royal Ordnance Factories. If any Member has a complaint, I shall be happy to look into it.

Mr. Daggar

Will not the right hon. Gentleman substitute workmen's compensation, under which the benefits are much greater?

Sir A. Duncan

The Question relates to accidents arising as a result of raids, and provision has been made for a situation of that kind under the Personal Injuries Act. That is the only thing that can be applied unless the scheme relating to Royal Ordnance Factories is more favourable, and then it is applied.

Mr. Bevan

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at his previous reply?

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