§ Mr. HODGEasked the Home Secretary whether ho is aware that insurance companies, presumably having knowledge oil impending legislation increasing the weekly payments under the Workmens Compensation Act, 1906, are taking advantage of the present law to redeem compulsorily the employer's liability for permanent incapacity cases on the basis of the existing inadequate rates and low annuity values; and whether he is prepared to make provision whereby such impending legislation shall be retrospective in operation or, alternatively, whereby the reservation of the workmen's rights under the Workmen's Compensation (War Additions) Act, 1917, will preserve the right of the workman to participate in the increased benefits now proposed for permanent partial incapacity as well as permanent total incapacity?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am assured by the Accident Offices Association that there is no ground for the suggestion in the first part of this question. As regards the latter part, it is not possible for me to make any statement at the present time, as to the terms of the legislation likely to ensue when the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation has presented its Report.
§ Mr. HARTSHORNasked the Home Secretary when his promised Bill to increase compensation to injured workmen will be introduced?
§ Mr. SHORTTI regret that I have not been able to introduce this Bill, but I hope to do so at a very early date.