HC Deb 15 November 1949 vol 469 cc1835-6
13. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is the practice of his Department to adjudge on the case of a man who was conscripted for service in the mines, although he wished to serve in the Army, and claims to have developed tuberculosis as a result of service in the mines.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)

No, Sir. The war pension instruments do not enable compensation to be granted in the circumstances mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Thurtle

Will my right hon. Friend say whether this young man has any redress if as a result of his compulsory service he has contracted this disease?

Mr. Marquand

That is really not a question for me. It was clearly stated in 1944 by the present Foreign Secretary, who was Minister of Labour, at the time when these men were taken on, that the same rights of compensation would apply in respect of injury or death as in the case of other miners.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Is my right hon. Friend aware that work in certain mines renders people more liable to tuberculosis than do ordinary occupations?

Mr. Marquand

That again is not a question for the Minister of Pensions.