§ 38. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce a clothing allowance to cover damage done to clothing by artificial limbs, suspender belts, and other appliances worn by persons drawing disability pensions and industrial injuries benefits.
§ Mr. PeakeThe National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act contains no provision for such an allowance.
§ Mr. WarbeyWill the Minister bear in mind that sleeves and trouser legs, for instance, are subjected to abnormal wear as a result of the wearing of artificial limbs, and that shirts and other pieces of clothing may also suffer abnormal wear and tear? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, if he cannot do it by regulation under the terms of the Act, introducing an amending Bill to cover the abnormal expenditure in which the people concerned are involved?
§ Mr. PeakeIt has never been considered that an allowance of this character would be suitable in a scheme of insurance based on the principle of equal benefits in respect of equal contributions.
§ Mr. WarbeySurely, every principle of insurance must cover abnormal risks, and this is an abnormal risk in which the persons concerned are involved.