HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1833-4
29. Mr. Oliver

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether any reciprocal arrangements exist with the Government of Eire in respect of the provisions of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act and, in particular, whether any provision is made for a wife residing in Eire whose husband meets with an industrial accident in this country which results in his death.

Dr. Summerskill

There is at present no general reciprocal arrangement, but my Department is exploring the possibility with the Department of Social Welfare in Dublin. Existing Regulations provide for the payment of death benefits, within certain limitations imposed by the Act, to widows residing in the Irish Republic.

Mr. Oliver

Will my right hon. Friend see that the earliest possible steps are taken to come to some arrangement, as great hardship and injustice arise by reason of the existing arrangements?

Dr. Summerskill

Perhaps my hon. Friend did not hear the last part of my answer. Widows do benefit.

Mr. Oliver

If that be so, might I send my right hon. Friend a case in which a widow has been refused benefit, although her husband was killed in this country and she herself resides here?

Dr. Summerskill

Certainly.