§ 6. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of National Insurance how compensation is arrived at for people suffering from pneumoconiosis at present; and what new scheme is contemplated.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsCompensation is at present provided for workmen suffering from pneumoconiosis, including silicosis and asbestosis, by schemes made under Section 47 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925. In cases where the workman is incapacitated, the compensation is arrived at on the principles laid down in the Act for injuries by accident. Where a workman is suspended from his employment on account of the disease before his general physical capacity has become impaired, the schemes provide for payment of a special benefit up to a maximum of 13 weeks. The terms of the regulations which will govern benefit for this disease under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act are at present under consideration.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister consider putting those who are suspected of having pneumoconiosis on compensation, so that they can lay off work until physically fit, and not have to continue working until they develop the disease?
§ Mr. GriffithsThis scheme was arrived at after consultation with both sides of industry. Under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, we provide that these payments should be made for 26 weeks to cover those who, it is felt, would develop the disease if they remained in industry. Prevention is far better than cure.
§ 8. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that there is widespread dissatisfaction among many ex-miners who were certified as partially suffering from pneumoconiosis prior to July, 1943; and what action is contemplated in the immediate future to compensate them for their reduced earning power.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThere is no power to extend the application of a scheme to cover men who gave up employment in the mines prior to 1st July, 1943. Provision is, however, made under the Pneumoconiosis (Benefit) Scheme for men who left the mining industry between October, 1934, and 1st July, 1943, and have become totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. This benefit is payable out of a special fund set up under the Scheme, and is in supplementation of National Health Insurance benefit. Partially disabled men could not be brought within the ambit of the scheme without amending legislation.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes the Minister recognise that many miners are suffering from partial disability, with their earning capacity thus impaired, and that they have a high sense of grievance because they are not receiving any compensation due to the fact that they are not totally disabled? Is any legislation contemplated to recognise the claims which, in my opinion, these men justly have?
§ Mr. GriffithsIt was in an attempt to meet cases of that kind that this benefit scheme was introduced. It was arranged after consultation with the two sides. It was felt desirable to restrict the scheme to those totally disabled, and to seek other ways to help those partially disabled.