HC Deb 09 April 1962 vol 657 cc940-2
22. Mr. J. Silverman

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce early legislation to amend the First Schedule of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946, to extend insurable employment to employment under any contract of service entered into in this country in all cases where that employment is carried out temporarily abroad, on a ship on the high seas or on any aircraft.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir. Persons ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom who are employed as seamen or airmen on British ships or aircraft are already insured under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act in respect of their employment outside this country, and there is also cover for British nationals who, while working for employers here, are temporarily in a country with which we have a reciprocal agreement. Further extension of such cover is, in my view, best obtained by extension of our system of reciprocal agreements.

Mr. Silverman

In view of the fact that we are endeavouring to increase our exports, which means sending workers and technicians abroad, is it not desirable that the provisions of the Act should be extended to cover such people, particularly as their numbers are likely to increase?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am afraid that, although there is force in the hon. Gentleman's argument, it is not practicable to extend the cover of this Act to countries which, because they have no system of industrial injuries insurance, do not and cannot provide us with the means of checking and investigating claims.

Mr. Speaker

I must ask the House to forgive me and allow me to go back. In the midst of the din I failed to see that the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Parker) was present and wished to ask his Question No. 21. Mr. Parker.

Mr. Parker rose

—

Mr. Manuel

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. A little belatedly I shouted "Question No. 19". I also have Question No. 20 on the Order Paper.

Mr. Speaker

There are limits. I was looking with the greatest appreciation at the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel) and I called his name at least three times. Receiving no response, I felt it my duty, in the general interest, to move on.

Mr. Manuel

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I did rise and shout "Question No. 19"—although belatedly. But the next Question, Question No. 20, was not called. Even had I not been present to call Question No. 19, I might have come in and have been in my place in time to call Question No. 20.

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry. I have stated that I called the hon. Gentleman's name at least three times, but receiving no response, I did not call the other Question in his name.