§ 21. Mr.' Stokesasked the Minister of Pensions the compensation to be awarded to the Downside boy under the age of 15 years who lost both his legs as the result of the direct disobedience of orders of officers of the Fleet Air-arm, which resulted in the death of nine boys and injury to 17, II of them seriously?
§ Sir W. WomersleyA boy with this degree of disablement is eligible for pension at the rate of 20s. a week on attaining the age of 15, increasing to 40s. a week at the age of 18. He is, of course, eligible for free medical treatment for the effects of his injury, including the provision of artificial limbs.
§ Mr. StokesDoes my right hon. Friend really think that rate of compensation adequate? This injury was caused by gross negligence and disobedience to orders, and was not really an act of war as such. Therefore; the rate of compensation should be altogether different.
§ Sir W. WomersleyThis is the same compensation as is paid to all. I have nothing whatever to do with the latter part of the Supplementary; it is not my affair at all.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs it not the case that if any hon. Member of this House, in his personal capacity, had caused the accident, he could have been sued and compelled to pay more than the sum payable under the Act of September, 1939?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThat, again, is not a question for me.
§ Mr. StokesIs not the only solution for the parents of these boys to bring a civil action against the surviving pilot?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI have no comment to make on that.