HC Deb 28 November 1917 vol 99 c2045W
Mr. T. RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Tyrrell, of 62, St. Dunstan's Road, Hanwell, W. 17, was working at the White City putting straps on buckles for haversacks, and that the straps were too thick for the buckles, which were round instead of square, and that the effort of putting the straps through was so great that the. tendon of Mrs. Tyrrell's thumb snapped on 1st May, 1917; that nevertheless she continued to work till 26th June, when she was obliged to cease; that she had half-pay 13s. 7d. a week till 13th September, when the insurance doctor, Dr. Fletcher Porter, told her that she had one hand and four fingers and was quite able to work, and that Dr. Davidson Glenshee, 256, Uxbridge Road, has certified that she has lost the use of her thumb for life; that on 13th September Mrs. Tyrrell was offered clerical work at the White City, which she was unable to do, and the counting of bags, which necessitated the use of both hands, and that Mr. Bruce. secretary at the White City, said that, as she had done wrong in applying to the Workers' Union, her employers could do nothing for her; and whether he proposes to take any action in connection with this case?

Sir G. CAVE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I had not previously heard of this case, and if, as I understand, it is a case of dispute under the Workmen's Compensation Act, I have no jurisdiction to interfere. If it cannot be settled by agreement, it should be decided in the manner provided by the Act.