HC Deb 21 June 1954 vol 529 cc3-4
6. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether the clothing allowance of £5 per annum given by his Department to disabled soldiers who wear a Jones' Saddle, may also be granted to disabled miners who are also obliged to wear this fitting.

Mr. Turton

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply Riven on 3rd May to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Warbey).

Mr. Snow

Since I have not got that reply with me, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that certain members of the industry concerned do not know what the exact provisions are? Is it not a fact that miners are peculiarly susceptible to this sort of injury, which necessitates wearing this equipment?

Mr. Turton

The reply was that there is no provision in the National Insurance Industrial Injuries Act for such an allowance.

Mr. T. Brown

Is this not a matter that ought to be referred to the National Insurance Advisory Committee, since we are getting so many cases in the mining industry of men who are now compelled to wear this equipment? Ought they not to be treated like men who have the misfortune to be wounded on the field of battle?

Mr. Turton

It has always been held by this Government and their predecessors that clothing allowances are not proper subjects for the industrial injuries insurance scheme.