§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, I beg to move that the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) (Colliery Workers Supplementary Scheme) Amendment Order 1969, the draft of which was laid before this House on April 30, be approved. This Order aims to amend the Colliery Workers Supplementary Scheme which was introduced in 1948 at the request of the coal mining industry. The 91 Scheme provides supplementary benefit for colliery workers (or their dependants) who receive benefit under the Industrial Injuries Acts for colliery accidents or diseases. The Scheme is administered by a National Committee comprising equal numbers of representatives drawn from both sides of the industry. Contributions to this Scheme's Fund are made by employers and employees only—there is no charge on the Exchequer or on the Industrial Injuries Fund.
The Order for which we are now seeking approval will extend until December 2, 1969, the arrangements for a standstill on the rates of supplementary injury and disablement benefits made in previous Orders and will provide that increase in industrial injuries benefit before December 2 shall not result in higher supplementary payments. This extension has been asked for by both sides of the National Committee, who are, I understand, involved in detailed negotiations involving not only the future of this Scheme but other benefit Schemes in the coalmining industry. My Lords, I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Draft National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) (Colliery Workers Supplementary Scheme) Amendment Order 1969, laid before the House on April 30 last be approved.—(Baroness Phillips.)