§ 14. Mr. McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the award of compensation to any prisoner who has had an accident arising from an organised game among prisoners in a dormitory or on parade, as a result of which he finishes his prison sentence in an unfit condition for work.
§ Mr. VosperArrangements exist for the payment of ex-gratia compensation to prisoners injured during sentence in circumstances which would have attracted an award under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946, had they been in insurable employment in outside industry. They do not, however, apply to the sort of incident which I understand the hon. Member has in mind. To pay compensation in this sort of case would be giving prisoners preferential treatment at the taxpayers' expense.
§ Mr. McKayCan the Minister say whether it is the present policy to keep the financial position sound regarding National Insurance? If an accident occurred, arising out of negligence within the prison due to carelessness or lack of supervision on the part of the authorities, and if that were admitted, would the authorities be liable?
§ Mr. VosperMy answer covers that point. The object is to put a prisoner in the same position as that of an injured person in the outside world. In this case the position would be covered by National Assistance.