§ 40. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that under present legislation no scheme exists for the compensation of volunteers injured in 413 connection with the work of traders salvage associations; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to extend to such persons the same rates of compensation as is now provided for persons engaged in Civil Defence?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI have already explained to the hon. Member in a recent letter that compensation for injuries other than war injuries is only payable under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme to members of civil defence organisations. While I appreciate the valuable work performed by Traders Salvage Associations, I am unable to regard them as civil defence organisations within the meaning of the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act.
§ 41. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that ex-private H. S. Giles (Ref. B.10/M2/5740), enlisted at the outbreak of war, passed A 1, drafted to France three weeks later, and remained there till May, 1940, when he was brought to this country and transferred to a military hospital for mental cases, was ultimately discharged, and is now in the Whittingham Mental Hospital; that his wife, with five children under 10 years of age, has been refused a pension; that the family is now on Poor Law relief; and why a pension was refused in this case?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI regret that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain the case papers from our office in the north. I am inquiring into the case and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.