HC Deb 20 January 1944 vol 396 c364
62. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has reconsidered the case of Miss Kathleen Giles who, while undergoing training for the Women's Land Army, lost an eye in May, 1942, through its being struck by a cow's horn, thus suffering great pain and permanent disfigurement, yet has received no compensation except 25s. for each of the nine weeks during which she was unable to work; and whether he will make some immediate compensation for the serious injury arising out of and in the course of Miss Giles' duties.

Mr. Hudson

There has been no change since the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir Smedley Crooke) on 28th October last, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Major Adams

Does that mean the Ministry holds itself free to reject this claim?

Mr. Hudson

The case has been dealt with under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

Major Adams

Does the Minister consider that any private employer would behave as the Ministry of Agriculture has done in this case?

Mr. Rhys Davies

Does the Minister mean to say that a girl working on the land, having lost her eye, only gets compensation for nine weeks and nothing after that?

Mr. Hudson

I do not pretend to be acquainted with the details the Workmen's Compensation Act but I am assured that this girl has been treated fully in accordance with the Act under which she was employed.