§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary to the Ministry of Munitions what progress has been made in dealing with the claims and losses arising out of the recent explosion at a certain shell-filling factory?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe explosion occurred on the 1st July, and by the end of the week special staffs had been organised for dealing—
- (1) With claims arising out of death of employés.
- (2) With third-party claims and claims by the factory employés for loss of personal effects.
As regards the first class of claims, which have to be dealt with through the Courts, the judge and registrar of the local County Court hold special sittings. I desire gratefully to acknowledge the action of these gentlemen. By 21st July, out of eighty-six claims received, it had been possible for a responsible officer of the Finance Department of the Ministry to pass seventy-five of them. The total number of deaths notified is 134. That probably represents the maximum number of compensation claims receivable. I hope that within a further fortnight or three weeks practically all claims in respect of death will have been met. As regards the second class of claims, a section of the staff of the Ministry appointed to deal with these matters was immediately sent down, and they are settling claims on the spot. Assessors of this section commenced immediately after the explosion to deal with the claims for more serious damage, and arrangements at the same time were made locally for replacement of broken glass, etc. An adequate supply of glass has been forthcoming. As regards claims for injury to employés, these will be met under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and the 2027W factory authorities have had authority delegated to them to deal with cases up to the payment of five months' injury pay.