§ 14. Dr. Summerskillasked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that women will not be called upon for compulsory fire-watching without an undertaking that compensation equal to that received by men fire-watchers will be paid in the event of injury owing to enemy action?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)The rates of compensation payable to fire-guards for war service injuries are 2134 governed by the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, and it would not be equitable or practicable to give more advantageous terms to fire-guards than to other classes covered by that scheme.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the hon. Lady aware that to-day two further petitions have already been presented to the House on the question of unequal compensation and that there is a considerable amount of resentment in the country, which is culminating in meetings and protests, and does she not think that this is a form of exploitation of women by the Government?
§ Mrs. TateIs the hon. Lady also aware that this is supposed to be a democratic country, ruled by the will of the people, and that it is no longer the will of the people that gainfully-employed civilian women should be compensated for war injury at a lower rate than gainfully-employed civilian men, and is she also aware of the very sorry figure the Minister of Pensions cut when he opposed me recently on a public platform?
§ Miss WilkinsonI am perfectly sure that in this democratic country the views of the hon. Ladies and their petitioners will be taken into consideration by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LipsonDoes the hon. Lady agree that to accept the suggestion contained in this Question would be a good way to establish the principle of equal compensation?