§ 53. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce legislation at anly early date to raise benefits paid to those covered by the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Scheme and to other old cases who do not come within the scope of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement of our view about this given to the House on 18th November last during the debate on the Committee stage of the National Insurance (No. 2) Bill, 1957.
§ Mr. PrenticeIn view of the fact that benefits under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act have just been increased, would it not be reasonable to give them to older casualties in industry? As we quite properly give to war casualties the same increase whether they are casualties from the 1914–18 war or the 1939–45 war, cannot the same principle be extended to casualties in industry?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman, who is familiar with these matters, will recall that as recently as 1956, in a special Act introduced for the purpose, a supplement of 17s. 6d. was paid out of the Industrial Injuries Fund to the totally disabled cases. In addition, practically all those people will be gaining, in that the various other benefits to which they are entitled have been increased.