HC Deb 20 May 1963 vol 678 cc21-2
26. Miss Herbison

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many workers, apart from colliery workers, have a supplementary pension scheme under the powers of section 83(8)(a) of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946.

Mr. N. Macpherson

None, Sir.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister not aware that there are many workers who would like to have the same benefits as those who are in the mining industry? Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to try to get employers and employees together in other industries to bring about a scheme similar to that in the mining industry?

Mr. Macpherson

This is a case where the industry itself has to take the initiative. Where there are special circumstances involving particular risks in an industry, it is always open to the industry to put up schemes under this Section of the Act for consideration by the Minister.

Miss Herbison

But since all of them know that it is open to them to put up such schemes, could not the Minister do something to influence them to give greater thought to putting up schemes?

Mr. Macpherson

We already have the Industrial Injuries Act. which covers the broad risks for everybody in industry. It is for a particular industry to consider whether there is a special risk in that industry to warrant a special supplementary scheme.