§ 36. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she will initiate a review of industrial injury benefits and compensation.
§ Miss HerbisonThese benefits form part of the general social security scheme and will be included in the review on which we are engaged.
§ Mr. LewisWill the Minister bear in mind when considering this matter in the review that some of the people who are disabled through accidents in industry gel: a very small return and are in great difficulty for the rest of their life, and that if one compares what they receive, with, for example, those involved in 22 motor car accidents, the comparison is not very good?
§ Miss HerbisonAll these points will be taken into account. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware of the machinery that is set up under the Industrial Injuries Act for the assessment of the disability.
§ Mr. DeanCan the Minister say when this reform is likely to be introduced and whether it will include the whole question of disability, whether industrial or not?
§ Miss HerbisonI have not spoken about any reform. In answer to the Question, I said that the industrial injuries provisions were being considered under the general review.