HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 c1896
1. Mr. John Hynd

asked the Minister of National Insurance what payment in respect of lost working time is allowed to ex-Service men victims of industrial injury when attending regional limb-fitting centres for treatment.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. Osbert Peake)

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given him on 5th and 25th February.

Mr. J. Hynd

Is the Minister aware that those replies have no special reference to ex-Service men? Is he further aware that I am assured by his Department that, in the case of ex-Service men, these loss of time payments are, in fact, made up? If that is the case, can he explain what is the difference between an industrially insured person who happens to be an ex-Service man and one who is not?

Mr. Peake

This is an insurance scheme, and all victims of industrial injury are treated alike, quite regardless of any past service in Her Majesty's Forces. Ex gratia payments for loss of time would really be quite out of place in an insurance scheme.