§ 63. Mr. Hewlettasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered a petition, signed by more than 1,700 people from Manchester and district, demanding that civilian women should be paid equal compensation with men for war injuries; and what steps he proposes to take to accede to this request, which reflects the general will of the country?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI have read the petition in question, which does not contain any fresh argument against the difference in rates of compensation for men and women under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, and I have nothing to add to the full statements I have already made in the House on this matter.
Miss CazaletMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that no less a person than Lord Randolph Churchill said that all great men make mistakes, and whether he will show himself a great man by owning up in this case that he also has made a mistake?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am aware that some unknown person has said that even women can make mistakes. I do not agree that I have made a mistake. I stand by the statement which I made previously.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIn view of the fact that this is only one out of many representations which the Minister has received on this matter, is he not going to consider changing his mind?
§ Sir W. WomersleyFrom the great city of Manchester and from the wide population of that area, a certain organisation, after strenuous efforts, obtained just over 1,000 signatures.
§ Sir Frank SandersonIs not my right hon. Friend aware that I have had more than 1,000 communications?