§ 32. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware of the financial hardship suffered by many partially disabled industrial workers; and what steps he is taking to ease their burdens.
§ The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)I cannot accept the suggestion of the hon. Member that the partially disabled worker is badly treated in relation to others under industrial injuries legislation.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of workers—ex-miners, for example—are able to do only light work but have had no increase in their benefits for four or five years, in spite of the increase in the cost of living? Is that not most unfair?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am not sure whether the hon. Member has in mind recipients of benefits under the Industrial Injuries Act or workmen's compensation cases. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will indicate the type of case he has in mind and I will then look into it.