PNEUMOCONIOSIS AND BYSSINOSIS BENEFIT SCHEME, 1952 (Hansard, 21 February 1952)

§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK
My Lords, this scheme for which I am now seeking approval is made in pursuance of the Act which was passed by Parliament last December. I do not think I need go into details; the matter was fully discussed at that time. Briefly, however, its purpose is to put uncompensated men and their dependants in the same position as if they were entitled under Workmen's Compensation to disablement or death benefits. This draft instrument follows very closely the existing Workmen's Compensation Supplementation Scheme. It may seem rather long, but all the provisions have been repeated so that in reading it there need be no reference to some other document by those who have to work the scheme.
There are three points I should mention. One is that the scheme will be administered by the same administrative board as that which deals with the Workmen's Compensation Supplementation Scheme. The second is that applicants may demand an oral hearing before the Board, unless the Board are satisfied that this is unnecessary. The third is that the Board may vary their findings if, for certain reasons, it appears to them that their decision is erroneous. There is one more point, with regard to publicity. Announcements will be made 189 on the B.B.C. and in the local and national Press and a leaflet will be published. The administrative board, the National Coal Board and the union concerned are co-operating to provide details of persons who might be able to obtain benefit under the scheme. It is hoped that the Scheme, if approved to-day, will come into operation fourteen days from next Monday. I beg to move.

§ EARL JOWITT
My Lords, I should not like this Order to pass without a word being said from these Benches—and that word a word of thanks. I congratulate the noble Earl on being fortunate enough to have the opportunity of introducing this measure, which is very close to my heart and which follows a series of measures on this topic. He may be sure, in introducing this measure, that he has our warmest sympathy and support.

§ LORD KERSHAW
My Lords, I cannot add anything to what has been said by my noble and learned Leader, but I would ask the noble Earl to impress upon the Minister that we still hope that he will try to extend the Order to those who are not totally incapable of work.

§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK
My Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that the Minister has now under careful consideration the position of those who are partially disabled. I am very grateful to the noble and learned Earl, Lord Jowitt, for the words he has said.