§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can take steps to secure early attention to the compensation claim of Edward Thomas Cousins; whether he is aware that Cousins met with an accident on the 26th April, 1919, in the No. 1 dock, Devonport, a plank falling from 30 feet on to his back, fracturing ribs and injuring the muscles of his heart, the man receiving hurt pay up to 18th July last, since when no payment has been made; whether he is aware that the man's papers were forwarded from the construction department of the dockyard to the Admiralty on the 16th December under the Government scheme for contracting out of the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, the man being destitute, will he take such steps as will prevent such serious delays in the adjustment of these claims?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASteps have been taken to expedite a decision on the claim. I am advised, however, that there is some doubt whether the condition of the man's heart is in any way connected with the accident, and that he has fully recovered from the injuries to his ribs. I will communicate further with my hon. Friend on the matter at an early date.