§ Mr. BARKERasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Guardians of the Newport Union and the Guardians of the Bedwelty Union, Monmouthshire, have passed resolutions protesting against the inadequate amount of compensation paid to disabled workmen; and will he introduce legislation whereby sufficient compensation can be paid to provide decent maintenance instead of recipients having to apply to the guardians to have their compensation augmented?
Mr. HENDERSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question of the scale of benefits was fully discussed in Parliament, last year when the Workmen's Compensation Bill574W was being passed, and further amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Acts cannot, I am afraid, be contemplated at the moment.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Home Secretary if a decision has yet been arrived at as to whether silicosis, or potter's asthma, shall be scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Act?
Mr. HENDERSONThe matter is one which would have to be dealt with by a scheme under the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Acts, and I am advised that before a scheme under those Acts can be drawn up, a special inquiry involving the medical examination of a considerable number of workers in the industry must be undertaken. I am hoping to arrange for the commencement of this inquiry at an early date.