HC Deb 24 November 1942 vol 385 cc638-9
8. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of Civil Defence workers, permanently injured through service in Scotland, since November, 1939, giving respective figures for men and women, and the total amount of compensation paid, respectively?

Sir W. Womersley

I have been asked to reply. I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the fact that the Government have intimated their policy with regard to compensation to injured Civil Defence workers, how can the Government come to decisions with regard to the cost to the nation and other important factors if they do not know the number of injured Civil Defence workers?

Sir W. Womersley

We do not maintain separate statistics for England and Scotland; we take both together.

62. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, having regard to the fact that the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, was passed through all stages and received the Royal Assent in two days, namely, 2nd and 3rd September, 1939, and that this Act deprived His Majesty's subjects of their rights at Common Law, also that as a result many persons of both sexes have received inadequate compensation in respect of fatal and other injuries, he will appoint a committee to report as to the operation of this Act and as to amendments which experience has shown to be necessary?

Sir W. Womersley

I have been asked to reply. I do not accept the hon. Member's statement that inadequate compensation has been paid in respect of fatal and other injuries sustained as the result of enemy action, and I am not prepared to advise the Government to appoint a Committee as suggested.

Sir H. Williams

Were not the subjects' rights at Common Law taken away from them in a Bill rushed through Parliament?